The day begins in Makanda on the Boardwalk.

The stage concludes south of Goreville.

It's a longer stage today, whether you're hiking or running, so you might be tempted to hustle through Giant City State Park, given how early it comes. Even still, be sure to pause, and maybe grab a coffee in the Lodge, which is a magnificent structure and part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' remarkable legacy. Or heck, stick around for an omelette; it's your last chance at hot food until day's end. From there, you're looking at trails and peaceful country tracks, with practically no communities of any size along the way.

After passing along the southern edge of Little Grassy Lake and Devils Kitchen Lake, the trail takes a more southeastward tack, transitioning from the Panther Den Trail to quiet roads, disrupted only by a brief passage under I57. Spend a minute there and you'll see more cars in one minute than you will the rest of the day.

After that, the River-to-River Trail gets a little funky, moving south, east, north, south, north, and south again in relatively quick succession, coming briefly into the town of Goreville, passing through Ferne Clyffe State Park, and then concluding on the highway south of Goreville. 

Support: A support vehicle will be accessible at Giant City Lodge (3.6 miles), Rocky Comfort Rd (9.1 miles), Panther Den Trailhead (15.2 miles), Goreville outskirts (25.3 miles), and Ferne Clyffe State Park (30.5 miles). Water will be available to top off bottles, along with all necessary participant gear. 

Take Heed: Aside from Giant City, don't expect to find opportunities for food, restrooms, or water (aside from the support vehicle). The River-to-River Trail can get overgrown and waterlogged in places in the offseason, so be ready for potentially difficult conditions if there has been inclement weather recently.