Cross Country Sundown Showdown
The 2nd Annual Cross Country Sundown Showdown is scheduled for July 17, 2026. Registration and bib pickup will be held at the Carterville Community Center, 120 N Greebriar Rd, Carterville, on Friday, July 17, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM. The shirt deadline is July 5, 2026.
The race start and finish will be behind the Carterville Community Center. Join us for the 2nd Annual Sundown Showdown 5K! Hosted by the River to River Runners, this unique event brings the excitement of a classic cross country meet to runners of all levels. The race will start and finish behind the Carterville Community Center, offering a fun and spectator-friendly atmosphere.
Designed to resemble a traditional high school cross country meet, the Sundown Showdown uses standard XC scoring on a 5K course. This is primarily a team-based event, with teams consisting of 3 - 5 runners, and the top 3 runners scoring for each team. Teams will compete in three divisions: male, female, and mixed. Mixed teams must include at least two female runners among their five participants. Don’t have a full team? No problem...individual runners are welcome, and we’ll gladly help match you with others to form a team on race day. You can also choose to compete solo if you prefer.
The course features a true cross country experience, with mostly grass terrain complemented by sections of gravel and paved path, making for a dynamic and enjoyable run. Whether you’re chasing a team title or just looking for a fun and competitive race atmosphere, the Sundown Showdown is a great way to experience cross country racing at its best.
Awards
Medals will be presented to the top 25 male and female finishers, as well as awards for the top 3 teams in each division (Male, Female, and Mixed).
Team Scoring
Team scores are calculated by adding the finishing positions of each team’s top three runners. Each runner earns points based on their place (1 point for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, etc.), and the team with the lowest total score is declared the winner. Teams may include 3–5 runners, but only the top three finishers will count toward the team score.
Race Markings
Race will be marked with the following paint colors: Mile 1 - Red, Mile 2 - White, Mile 3 - Blue. There will be a lead vehicle to guide the runners through the course.
