| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 62 | 61 | 60 | 62 | 58 |
| L (°F) | 42 | 42 | 40 | 42 | 45 |
The course is flat so you will most likely to PR here. Very well organized race Amazing supportive volunteers Wonderful pre race and post race experience MORE
The course is flat so you will most likely to PR here.
Very well organized race
Amazing supportive volunteers
Wonderful pre race and post race experience
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I grew up in Central Illinois so it was fun to return for a race. The course is flat, as promised. There may not be much "scenery" but there is … MORE
I grew up in Central Illinois so it was fun to return for a race. The course is flat, as promised. There may not be much “scenery” but there is diversity from campus, to cornfields, to finishing at the 50 yard line. But the atmosphere was awesome! Lots of people out, even on the windy and rainy day we ran it. Finishing on the football field was an awesome experience and may a great place to hang out and get food (except walking up bleacher steps)! I had my worst training block ever and a terrible performance, but still loved this race.
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The packet pickup is excellent in that there is ample parking. The volunteers are everywhere providing assistance as needed. From the start of the race to the finish you have … MORE
The packet pickup is excellent in that there is ample parking. The volunteers are everywhere providing assistance as needed. From the start of the race to the finish you have spectators cheeering you on. The swag and the medal are excellent. The weather made it a difficult race (cold and wet) but I will definitely do it again. What a wonderful organization puts this race on. For out-of-towners, there are several reasonably prices hotels nearby.
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Because of the change in race course, legs 1 & 2 had to start together, which gave me a running buddy, since I run with my sisters. It added to MORE
Because of the change in race course, legs 1 & 2 had to start together, which gave me a running buddy, since I run with my sisters. It added to the experience.
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Excellent packet pickup. Ample parking and volunteers directing you to the start of the race. Spectators were outstanding despite it being a Friday night run. After party looked fantastic though … MORE
Excellent packet pickup. Ample parking and volunteers directing you to the start of the race. Spectators were outstanding despite it being a Friday night run. After party looked fantastic though due to the cold I didn’t participate. Swag and refreshments were wonderful. Again, volunteers are outstanding for the Christie Clinic weekend.
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I hope the CCIM gets back to the status they used to have pre-covid. The course used to be spectacular and really showed off both towns. This year was repetitive … MORE
I hope the CCIM gets back to the status they used to have pre-covid. The course used to be spectacular and really showed off both towns. This year was repetitive and not as fun. I do appreciate everything the directors did to ensure the race happened though. I will always be back to run again.
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Love the party atmosphere of the Friday night. A nice warn-up for the longer races on Saturday. Running into Memorial Stadium and getting to see yourself up on the Big … MORE
Love the party atmosphere of the Friday night. A nice warn-up for the longer races on Saturday. Running into Memorial Stadium and getting to see yourself up on the Big Screen is a great way to finish!
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This was my 3rd marathon & I would highly recommend this race to anyone. Here's why: 1) It's logistically easy. Free parking & plenty of parking for the race start … MORE
This was my 3rd marathon & I would highly recommend this race to anyone. Here’s why:
1) It’s logistically easy. Free parking & plenty of parking for the race start & expo. Gear check was simple & quick (they just throw it in a truck and then sort by number later). Plenty of portapotties so easy to arrive, do your pre-race business, and get to your corral without stress.
2) You want it? They have it. Free bagels and coffee at the start. The student athletic center locker rooms are open for post-run showers and $6. A good variety of post run free food: pasta, pizza, chocolate milk, all the usuals. A free fleece blanket to marathon finishers with the metallic heat-sheets to keep you warm after finish.
3) The course is a little boring with mostly just running through different residential neighborhoods. The race coordinated different musicians to be spread along the course to help entertain. Also, there were a lot of community support and people out cheering which helps. Lots of unofficial aid stations with extra water, pickle juice, jelly beans and more. Lots of people dressed in costumes. Very few hills and only small rollers (by Chicago standards — perfectly flat to anyone else).
Overall, a very well organized race and great community support makes this a race I’d come back to run again.
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This is one of my favorite races to run every year! The half marathon in 2016 was the first race I ever ran, so of course this race has a … MORE
This is one of my favorite races to run every year! The half marathon in 2016 was the first race I ever ran, so of course this race has a very special place in my heart just for that reason alone. This year was the 3rd year I have participated in the marathon, and 3rd straight year I’ve participated in the iChallenge. The iChallenge can be done as either a half or whole challenge, and it consists of running the 5k on Friday night, and the marathon or half on Saturday.
This race has a ton of great production value, a ton of great swag (including awesome unique medals each year, a finisher’s blanket, a heat shield, tech fit shirt, really nice drawstring shoe bag and tons of great local discounts). As an alum of Illinois, let me say that Champaign Urbana has some of the absolute greatest people I have ever met. It feels like everyone in the local neighborhoods comes out to support the race, with people setting up chairs on their lawns or driveways to cheer the runners. A lot of people even set up tables with water bottles, bananas, and orange slices for the runners (even beer!)
For my performance, I went out strong and was able to hold it and run sub-3. This course is very fast and flat, with a few small climbs on the back-end of the race. Highly recommend this race!!!
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great expo, easy registration, packet pickup, easy and close parking, plenty of support, great finish line, plenty of food and drink at finish, great swag; overall a great time! MORE
great expo, easy registration, packet pickup, easy and close parking, plenty of support, great finish line, plenty of food and drink at finish, great swag; overall a great time!
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- Mostly flat until Mile 25 next to the golf course. If you are a weak hill runner plan ahead. - Reserve hotels well in advance. They will spike up … MORE
– Mostly flat until Mile 25 next to the golf course. If you are a weak hill runner plan ahead.
– Reserve hotels well in advance. They will spike up prices as date gets nearer. Go on Priceline.
– Expo was great.
– Great parking.
– Need to put the post celebration in parking lot so there would be more room. It was packed.
– I can see why many people rate this higher then the Chicago Marathon.
– First half of race is very entertaining, second half gets dull with lack of entertainers, signs, etc.
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Repeat runner of this event. I ran the 5k as part of the full iChallenge, where you run the 5k on Friday night, and then either the full marathon or … MORE
Repeat runner of this event. I ran the 5k as part of the full iChallenge, where you run the 5k on Friday night, and then either the full marathon or half marathon (which would be the half iChallenge) on Saturday morning. I was able to PR both the 5k and marathon. I tried to take it fairly easy on this course and ended up PRing. It’s a pretty flat fast course, with the first mile or so being slightly downhill, and a tiny uphill on the back part. Great turnout by runners and spectators alike!
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We did the double for the extra bling and early spring run! Christi Clinic knows how to put on an event! Expo was great. Swag better than most! The flat … MORE
We did the double for the extra bling and early spring run! Christi Clinic knows how to put on an event! Expo was great. Swag better than most! The flat course was a lot of non descript area with a once in a lifetime finish!! Running across the Fighting Illini field was the best part of the run. Take time to do the Challenge so you can run on the field at night under the lights and see yourself on the jumbo screen! Post race food good for both 5K and marathon, but a little tricky getting up the bleacher steps after the marathon to the post race food! Getting post race food down closer to the action would be nice. Music jamming in the arena was electric for both runners and spectators. I ran this event in 2014 and went back in 2018 to run with friends. One of the best finish lines I have ever experienced.
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Listen, this is a top notch event with a ton of parking, a million volunteers and a lot of spectators that cheer you on. I’ve run this 7 out of … MORE
Listen, this is a top notch event with a ton of parking, a million volunteers and a lot of spectators that cheer you on. I’ve run this 7 out of the last 10 years. It’s flat and fast! The updates keep you motivated and you’ll be glad you ran it.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the Illinois Marathon. This race has been on my bucket list for years because it is held in the town where my dad attended college. I decided … MORE
I thoroughly enjoyed the Illinois Marathon. This race has been on my bucket list for years because it is held in the town where my dad attended college. I decided to participate in the Full I-Challenge. The expo was very small but that’s not a priority of mine. The race directors were very communicative and I received weekly emails as the race got close. The shirts and medals were definitely one of my favorites. The course overall was mostly flat. The weather was almost perfect except for the breezy wind that increased as I hit the half way point of my marathon. The volunteers and spectators along the course were awesome and provided great support along the way. I was excited to get two PR’s this weekend and with the flat course it is easy to do. I wish this race wasn’t so far away from my hometown or I would run this one every year!
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Medals were great along with the I-Challenge medal (5K+Half; 5K+Full; 5K+10K). Same with the 5K, race ended at Memorial Stadium. It was neat to watch yourself coming across the finish … MORE
Medals were great along with the I-Challenge medal (5K+Half; 5K+Full; 5K+10K). Same with the 5K, race ended at Memorial Stadium. It was neat to watch yourself coming across the finish line on the big screen. The cheer squad around the course was great! On-course music was nice to hear every 2 or 3 miles which made the race go a little faster 🙂
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Crowd throughout downtown Champaign was amazing. It was never quiet, music was not needed lol. Wished the corrals were bigger as they squeezed 5000+ runner on a somewhat wide street. … MORE
Crowd throughout downtown Champaign was amazing. It was never quiet, music was not needed lol. Wished the corrals were bigger as they squeezed 5000+ runner on a somewhat wide street. Corral A probably could be split into two (Corral A was estimated finish time 25:00 or less) and it was quite packed even 30 minutes prior to race starting. I made a mad dash once the buzzer went off to get out of the crowd. Finish line was awesome; we finished at Memorial Stadium Football Field, University of Illinois.
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FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. Nice early in the year course to start with. Pre-race Expo is well organized with plenty of volunteers to assist. Many locals line course to cheer you … MORE
FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. Nice early in the year course to start with. Pre-race Expo is well organized with plenty of volunteers to assist. Many locals line course to cheer you on.
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Flat, fast course going through the University of Illinois campus and surrounding towns of Urbana and Champaign. Great mix of neighborhoods, arterial roads, and a few parks. First ~12 miles … MORE
Flat, fast course going through the University of Illinois campus and surrounding towns of Urbana and Champaign. Great mix of neighborhoods, arterial roads, and a few parks. First ~12 miles is run with half marathoners too, so the running crowd drastically thins out for the 2nd half. Unfortunately, the spectator crowd thins out in the 2nd half too, so it can get lonely there (if that matters to you). Aid stations and supporters are great throughout though! April in Illinois means unpredictable weather: warm, cold, wet, dry, so be prepared for anything. 2015 was the year they officially closed the course due to a thunderstorm, but no one forced us off and it even stopped raining for a bit in there. This was my 3rd time running it, and I personally had a great time pacing 2 good friends to their first marathon finishes. Maybe not worthy of a long trip to get there, but a very solid regional race.
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Nice warm up race prior to either the 10K, Half, or full Marathon the following day. Well organized and nice flat course. Race corrals for 5K, Half, and full Marathon. MORE
Nice warm up race prior to either the 10K, Half, or full Marathon the following day. Well organized and nice flat course. Race corrals for 5K, Half, and full Marathon.
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Easy flat course
The course is flat so you will most likely to PR here. Very well organized race Amazing supportive volunteers Wonderful pre race and post race experience MORE
The course is flat so you will most likely to PR here.
Very well organized race
Amazing supportive volunteers
Wonderful pre race and post race experience
Fun Race in Flat Illinois
I grew up in Central Illinois so it was fun to return for a race. The course is flat, as promised. There may not be much "scenery" but there is … MORE
I grew up in Central Illinois so it was fun to return for a race. The course is flat, as promised. There may not be much “scenery” but there is diversity from campus, to cornfields, to finishing at the 50 yard line. But the atmosphere was awesome! Lots of people out, even on the windy and rainy day we ran it. Finishing on the football field was an awesome experience and may a great place to hang out and get food (except walking up bleacher steps)! I had my worst training block ever and a terrible performance, but still loved this race.
Volunteers make this race epic.
The packet pickup is excellent in that there is ample parking. The volunteers are everywhere providing assistance as needed. From the start of the race to the finish you have … MORE
The packet pickup is excellent in that there is ample parking. The volunteers are everywhere providing assistance as needed. From the start of the race to the finish you have spectators cheeering you on. The swag and the medal are excellent. The weather made it a difficult race (cold and wet) but I will definitely do it again. What a wonderful organization puts this race on. For out-of-towners, there are several reasonably prices hotels nearby.
Actually loved the two legs together.
Because of the change in race course, legs 1 & 2 had to start together, which gave me a running buddy, since I run with my sisters. It added to MORE
Because of the change in race course, legs 1 & 2 had to start together, which gave me a running buddy, since I run with my sisters. It added to the experience.
Quick out and back fun run
Excellent packet pickup. Ample parking and volunteers directing you to the start of the race. Spectators were outstanding despite it being a Friday night run. After party looked fantastic though … MORE
Excellent packet pickup. Ample parking and volunteers directing you to the start of the race. Spectators were outstanding despite it being a Friday night run. After party looked fantastic though due to the cold I didn’t participate. Swag and refreshments were wonderful. Again, volunteers are outstanding for the Christie Clinic weekend.
Not quite as good as in the past
I hope the CCIM gets back to the status they used to have pre-covid. The course used to be spectacular and really showed off both towns. This year was repetitive … MORE
I hope the CCIM gets back to the status they used to have pre-covid. The course used to be spectacular and really showed off both towns. This year was repetitive and not as fun. I do appreciate everything the directors did to ensure the race happened though. I will always be back to run again.
Love this family oriented event!
Love the party atmosphere of the Friday night. A nice warn-up for the longer races on Saturday. Running into Memorial Stadium and getting to see yourself up on the Big … MORE
Love the party atmosphere of the Friday night. A nice warn-up for the longer races on Saturday. Running into Memorial Stadium and getting to see yourself up on the Big Screen is a great way to finish!
Set up for success
This was my 3rd marathon & I would highly recommend this race to anyone. Here's why: 1) It's logistically easy. Free parking & plenty of parking for the race start … MORE
This was my 3rd marathon & I would highly recommend this race to anyone. Here’s why:
1) It’s logistically easy. Free parking & plenty of parking for the race start & expo. Gear check was simple & quick (they just throw it in a truck and then sort by number later). Plenty of portapotties so easy to arrive, do your pre-race business, and get to your corral without stress.
2) You want it? They have it. Free bagels and coffee at the start. The student athletic center locker rooms are open for post-run showers and $6. A good variety of post run free food: pasta, pizza, chocolate milk, all the usuals. A free fleece blanket to marathon finishers with the metallic heat-sheets to keep you warm after finish.
3) The course is a little boring with mostly just running through different residential neighborhoods. The race coordinated different musicians to be spread along the course to help entertain. Also, there were a lot of community support and people out cheering which helps. Lots of unofficial aid stations with extra water, pickle juice, jelly beans and more. Lots of people dressed in costumes. Very few hills and only small rollers (by Chicago standards — perfectly flat to anyone else).
Overall, a very well organized race and great community support makes this a race I’d come back to run again.
3rd Times the Charm
This is one of my favorite races to run every year! The half marathon in 2016 was the first race I ever ran, so of course this race has a … MORE
This is one of my favorite races to run every year! The half marathon in 2016 was the first race I ever ran, so of course this race has a very special place in my heart just for that reason alone. This year was the 3rd year I have participated in the marathon, and 3rd straight year I’ve participated in the iChallenge. The iChallenge can be done as either a half or whole challenge, and it consists of running the 5k on Friday night, and the marathon or half on Saturday.
This race has a ton of great production value, a ton of great swag (including awesome unique medals each year, a finisher’s blanket, a heat shield, tech fit shirt, really nice drawstring shoe bag and tons of great local discounts). As an alum of Illinois, let me say that Champaign Urbana has some of the absolute greatest people I have ever met. It feels like everyone in the local neighborhoods comes out to support the race, with people setting up chairs on their lawns or driveways to cheer the runners. A lot of people even set up tables with water bottles, bananas, and orange slices for the runners (even beer!)
For my performance, I went out strong and was able to hold it and run sub-3. This course is very fast and flat, with a few small climbs on the back-end of the race. Highly recommend this race!!!
Enjoyable running experience
great expo, easy registration, packet pickup, easy and close parking, plenty of support, great finish line, plenty of food and drink at finish, great swag; overall a great time! MORE
great expo, easy registration, packet pickup, easy and close parking, plenty of support, great finish line, plenty of food and drink at finish, great swag; overall a great time!
Mostly flat until Mile 25
- Mostly flat until Mile 25 next to the golf course. If you are a weak hill runner plan ahead. - Reserve hotels well in advance. They will spike up … MORE
– Mostly flat until Mile 25 next to the golf course. If you are a weak hill runner plan ahead.
– Reserve hotels well in advance. They will spike up prices as date gets nearer. Go on Priceline.
– Expo was great.
– Great parking.
– Need to put the post celebration in parking lot so there would be more room. It was packed.
– I can see why many people rate this higher then the Chicago Marathon.
– First half of race is very entertaining, second half gets dull with lack of entertainers, signs, etc.
Fast Flat Course
Repeat runner of this event. I ran the 5k as part of the full iChallenge, where you run the 5k on Friday night, and then either the full marathon or … MORE
Repeat runner of this event. I ran the 5k as part of the full iChallenge, where you run the 5k on Friday night, and then either the full marathon or half marathon (which would be the half iChallenge) on Saturday morning. I was able to PR both the 5k and marathon. I tried to take it fairly easy on this course and ended up PRing. It’s a pretty flat fast course, with the first mile or so being slightly downhill, and a tiny uphill on the back part. Great turnout by runners and spectators alike!
Electric Finish Line!
We did the double for the extra bling and early spring run! Christi Clinic knows how to put on an event! Expo was great. Swag better than most! The flat … MORE
We did the double for the extra bling and early spring run! Christi Clinic knows how to put on an event! Expo was great. Swag better than most! The flat course was a lot of non descript area with a once in a lifetime finish!! Running across the Fighting Illini field was the best part of the run. Take time to do the Challenge so you can run on the field at night under the lights and see yourself on the jumbo screen! Post race food good for both 5K and marathon, but a little tricky getting up the bleacher steps after the marathon to the post race food! Getting post race food down closer to the action would be nice. Music jamming in the arena was electric for both runners and spectators. I ran this event in 2014 and went back in 2018 to run with friends. One of the best finish lines I have ever experienced.
Best Spring Half in the Midwest!
Listen, this is a top notch event with a ton of parking, a million volunteers and a lot of spectators that cheer you on. I’ve run this 7 out of … MORE
Listen, this is a top notch event with a ton of parking, a million volunteers and a lot of spectators that cheer you on. I’ve run this 7 out of the last 10 years. It’s flat and fast! The updates keep you motivated and you’ll be glad you ran it.
Great Race
I thoroughly enjoyed the Illinois Marathon. This race has been on my bucket list for years because it is held in the town where my dad attended college. I decided … MORE
I thoroughly enjoyed the Illinois Marathon. This race has been on my bucket list for years because it is held in the town where my dad attended college. I decided to participate in the Full I-Challenge. The expo was very small but that’s not a priority of mine. The race directors were very communicative and I received weekly emails as the race got close. The shirts and medals were definitely one of my favorites. The course overall was mostly flat. The weather was almost perfect except for the breezy wind that increased as I hit the half way point of my marathon. The volunteers and spectators along the course were awesome and provided great support along the way. I was excited to get two PR’s this weekend and with the flat course it is easy to do. I wish this race wasn’t so far away from my hometown or I would run this one every year!
Great Race
Medals were great along with the I-Challenge medal (5K+Half; 5K+Full; 5K+10K). Same with the 5K, race ended at Memorial Stadium. It was neat to watch yourself coming across the finish … MORE
Medals were great along with the I-Challenge medal (5K+Half; 5K+Full; 5K+10K). Same with the 5K, race ended at Memorial Stadium. It was neat to watch yourself coming across the finish line on the big screen. The cheer squad around the course was great! On-course music was nice to hear every 2 or 3 miles which made the race go a little faster 🙂
Flat Course for a PR!
Crowd throughout downtown Champaign was amazing. It was never quiet, music was not needed lol. Wished the corrals were bigger as they squeezed 5000+ runner on a somewhat wide street. … MORE
Crowd throughout downtown Champaign was amazing. It was never quiet, music was not needed lol. Wished the corrals were bigger as they squeezed 5000+ runner on a somewhat wide street. Corral A probably could be split into two (Corral A was estimated finish time 25:00 or less) and it was quite packed even 30 minutes prior to race starting. I made a mad dash once the buzzer went off to get out of the crowd. Finish line was awesome; we finished at Memorial Stadium Football Field, University of Illinois.
Breat place to run
FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. Nice early in the year course to start with. Pre-race Expo is well organized with plenty of volunteers to assist. Many locals line course to cheer you … MORE
FLAT, FLAT, FLAT. Nice early in the year course to start with. Pre-race Expo is well organized with plenty of volunteers to assist. Many locals line course to cheer you on.
One of my favorite marathons
Flat, fast course going through the University of Illinois campus and surrounding towns of Urbana and Champaign. Great mix of neighborhoods, arterial roads, and a few parks. First ~12 miles … MORE
Flat, fast course going through the University of Illinois campus and surrounding towns of Urbana and Champaign. Great mix of neighborhoods, arterial roads, and a few parks. First ~12 miles is run with half marathoners too, so the running crowd drastically thins out for the 2nd half. Unfortunately, the spectator crowd thins out in the 2nd half too, so it can get lonely there (if that matters to you). Aid stations and supporters are great throughout though! April in Illinois means unpredictable weather: warm, cold, wet, dry, so be prepared for anything. 2015 was the year they officially closed the course due to a thunderstorm, but no one forced us off and it even stopped raining for a bit in there. This was my 3rd time running it, and I personally had a great time pacing 2 good friends to their first marathon finishes. Maybe not worthy of a long trip to get there, but a very solid regional race.
Quick Warm Up Through Downtown Champaign
Nice warm up race prior to either the 10K, Half, or full Marathon the following day. Well organized and nice flat course. Race corrals for 5K, Half, and full Marathon. MORE
Nice warm up race prior to either the 10K, Half, or full Marathon the following day. Well organized and nice flat course. Race corrals for 5K, Half, and full Marathon.