The Piasa II: Mortal Humans Perish
Long before paved roads, timing mats, and Strava segments, there was the Piasa—a mythical winged beast spoken of out of fear and reverence. In the Illiniwek (Algonquian) language, the Piasa (pronounced PIE-uh-saw) is often translated as “the bird that devours humans.” It is said to have dwelled in the cliffs near the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers, preying silently within the dark woods on its unsuspecting victims.
The Piasa race borrows that spirit. These trails do not relent until there is nothing left to give.
Set deep within the rugged bluffs and forested ravines of Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL, the Piasa Trail Races are a confrontation between runner and terrain, legend and legendary. Short climbs don’t exist here. The footing is technical. The descents demand focus. The course lures you in with its beauty, then tests whether you can sustain long enough to enjoy it!
The Piasa II takes flight on Saturday, March 27, 2027 with 3 distances: 12.5k, 25k and 50k!
Race + Registration
The Piasa offers three distances—each one designed to push your limits in different ways:
• 12.5K – A sharp introduction to the Piasa Trails. Fast enough to tempt you, brutal enough to humble you.
• 25K – Sustained climbing, technical terrain, and the kind of fatigue that leaves you asking real questions of yourself like “Why didn’t I just run the 12.5k?”
• 50K – A full reckoning with the Piasa. Long climbs, deep fatigue, and a course that devours you with over 4,000’ of buckle-worthy climbing.
This is not a course where you’ll wing it. You have to earn it. And there are two ways to do that.
Solo or Buddy Division: Runners can face the Piasa alone or together.
• Solo Division – You versus the hills, the clock, and the legend. Test yourself as the Piasa watches and torments your steps.
• Buddy Division – A new format built on shared suffering and shared victory. Two runners, one journey. Stay together, climb together, endure together. Because sometimes the only way to conquer the Piasa…is not alone.
Why Run the Piasa?
Some races reward speed.
Others reward resilience.
The Piasa rewards both. The grit to sustain and the courage to push on as the Piasa breaths down your neck.
This is a race for runners who respect hard terrain, who understand that trail running is equal parts strength, patience, and resolve. The kind of runners who hear “a bird that devours men” and think:
Good. Let’s see what it’s got.
Come test yourself in the bluffs.
Come run where legend lives.
Come conquer the Piasa.
12.5K – A sharp introduction to the Piasa Trails. Fast enough to tempt you, brutal enough to humble you.
Course Details
Click the banner to see the course map.
25K – Sustained climbing, technical terrain, and the kind of fatigue that leaves you asking real questions of yourself like “Why didn’t I just run the 12.5k?”
Course Details
Click the banner to see the course map.
50K – A full reckoning with the Piasa. Long climbs, deep fatigue, and a course that devours you with over 4,000’ of buckle-worthy climbing.
Course Details
Click the banner to see the course map.
Race Weekend
Pere Marquette Visitors Center
Friday, March 26th, 2027 from 2pm to 6pm
Saturday, Race morning pickup from 430am until 20 minutes before race start time.
Custom hand crafted Piasa artwork for overall winners of each distance (Top Male, Top Female, Top Buddy Team).
For more information on lodging and camping at Pere Marquette:
Lodge: https://pmlodge.net/
Camping: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.peremarquette.html
We do not offer refunds for any of the events. Costs associated with the pre-planning and ordering of participant amenities well in advance of the race prohibit us from offering refunds.
In addition, refunds are not issued if the event is cancelled due to severe weather, disaster or emergency occurrences that may affect the safety and health of the participants. Please take a moment to read the full waiver that is available at the time of registration.
Deferrals
If for a medical reason you are unable to participate in the event, you have the option of deferring your entry to the 2027 event with a note from a medical professional. This deferral is valid for 50% of the entry fee. The deferral is neither transferable to another person or another race and is non refundable. The deferral is only valid for one calendar year.
Race Photos
Sponsors
FAQs
The Piasa II will be held on March 27, 2027.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunties
Volunteer Opportunities will be available soon.