Participants in the 11th Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk on Sept. 12 will register or check in at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center’s Freeberg Hall. (Photo provided)
August 19, 2026
Register now for SIU’s 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk on Sept. 12
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Registration is open for the 11th Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk through the picturesque forests and inviting trails of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center (TON) on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The popular event is open to runners and walkers of all ages. It begins at Camp 2 and covers a variety of terrains, including wooded areas and hills. Happening during SIU’s Family Weekend, Sept. 11-13, the 10K starts at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 9 a.m.
“Family Weekend is about giving families the opportunity to experience all that SIU has to offer, and that includes the incredible outdoor spaces that make our campus and region so special,” said Brian Croft, director of the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center and SIU’s Office of Sustainability. “The Rocky Ledges Trail Races are a great way to experience the beauty of Southern Illinois — whether you’re running the trails or simply enjoying a leisurely walk through the woods together.”
Registration underway
Sign up now and save. Early registration is available through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 9. The cost is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K when you sign up early: youth ages 1-17 pay $5 less. The price increases by $5 in each category after the early bird signup.
Participants can sign up until just before the event if spots are available. Check-in and late registration start at 7:30 a.m.
Finisher medals will be awarded to everyone. Touch of Nature is sponsoring this year’s run/walk.
Find complete details, registration information and previous run/walk results on the website. Call or email Andrew Taylor, coordinator of Campus Outdoor Programs and Sustainability, at 618-453-2906 or andrew.w.taylor@siu.edu. Inquires can also be directed to TON at 618-453-1121 or email ton@siu.edu with any questions.