From the friendly Midwest spirit, to the flat course, to the photo finish inside Memorial Stadium, this is a race not to be missed. The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend will take to the streets of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, IL this April. The events offer a beautiful, scenic tour …
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From the friendly Midwest spirit, to the flat course, to the photo finish inside Memorial Stadium, this is a race not to be missed. The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend will take to the streets of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, IL this April. The events offer a beautiful, scenic tour of the University of Illinois campus, downtown streets, tree-lined residential neighborhoods, and an awesome paved park trail. Thousands of friendly, fun fans and volunteers from the community line the course to cheer on and support participants! Participants also will experience the unique and thrilling finish line located at the 50-yard line of the University of Illinois’ historic Memorial Stadium.
New features at this year’s Race Weekend include two multi-race i-Challenge events for runners looking to expand their Race Weekend experience. The Micro i-Challenge will combine the Michael Hogue Team Mile and the 5K, and the Nano i-Challenge will connect the Michael Hogue Team Mile and the Busey Illinois Youth Run. Both challenges feature the shortest distances offered during the weekend, allowing both beginners and sprinters of all ages to double up their participation, swag, and medals.
After the 5K on Friday night and after the races on Saturday, participants can enjoy the 4th-Mile and 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash, respectively, located just outside Memorial Stadium on Kirby Ave. There will be live music and food trucks at the Street Fests – the perfect place to kick back and relish in your accomplishment.
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A clinic on how to direct a race.
I cannot say enough good things about this event. From the wave start -- in quick, manageable, small waves -- with a sound system that ran the length of the … MORE
I cannot say enough good things about this event. From the wave start — in quick, manageable, small waves — with a sound system that ran the length of the starting corrals and an enthusiastic announcer. There was never any doubt about when your group would start, what was going on up front, and there was no run/stop/run like in some races. There was even a sign language interpreter for announcements and the national anthem. The course had 21 entertainment stations, a sculpture park, clever signs, so much to keep runners engaged and distracted in a good way. Miles were clearly marked. Aid stations were well stocked and staffed. There were even signs directing you to the nearest shelter in case the weather turned nasty. As usual, the runners thin after the split with the half, but still plenty to keep you going. The finish in the stadium was memorable and easy for spectators. Finish line food was “runners only” (don’t you hate when that’s not the case), and plentiful even after all the half marathoners were done and later marathoners came in. Pizza, almonds, chocolate milk, bananas, chips, and more. Craft beer at the post-race party. I never waited in a line the entire weekend. Pro tip: the bathrooms inside the stadium are the way to “go” pre-race. It also happens to be a flat, fast course, and the weather was close to perfect in 2026. The medals were super cool, plus t-shirt, drop bag, fleece blanket, and free photos. All communication was top notch.
Love this race!!!
This is a very well put on race! It is a weekend long event with many race options to include the whole family! Easy to navigate, enjoy, participate and spectate! … MORE
This is a very well put on race! It is a weekend long event with many race options to include the whole family! Easy to navigate, enjoy, participate and spectate! It’s a great race whether you are getting into racing or a season veteran. It is a BQ course!
Great production
This was probably the most organized race I’ve run so far. Number 21 of my 50 states. The expo was very well organized. Tons of volunteers directing you where to … MORE
This was probably the most organized race I’ve run so far. Number 21 of my 50 states. The expo was very well organized. Tons of volunteers directing you where to go. Tons of port a potties at the start. Love having a wave start so everyone doesn’t have to run elbow to elbow. Aid stations were plentiful and tons of entertainment along the course. Finishing in the stadium was very cool and watching yourself cross the finish line on the big screen. Only downside was my sister couldn’t come down on the field after I finished and had to wait for me for an hour while I waited in line to get stretched out which was amazing! Totally worth the wait. Overall great production. Would run again if I wasn’t doing all 50 states
This race deserves better recognition.
Believe the other reviewers when they say the Illinois Marathon is one of the most well-organized races out there. I hadn’t planned to run the 2025 Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, … MORE
Believe the other reviewers when they say the Illinois Marathon is one of the most well-organized races out there.
I hadn’t planned to run the 2025 Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, but fate had other ideas: my intended race, the Carmel Marathon, was canceled due to severe thunderstorms just a week prior.
This event is led by race director Jan Seeley, and it’s clear she pours her heart into it. When I reached out with questions after registering at the last minute, Jan responded quickly—even late at night. I even bumped into her twice on race day in her neon pink vest.
I’ve run other races that offer multiple distances on the same day—Indianapolis, Hong Kong, Atlanta, to name a few—and in my experience, this underrated race in east-central Illinois is just as well-organized, if not more so, than those in larger cities. Despite the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and 10K all taking place around the same time, the course avoided bottlenecks. I never had to weave around runners from other distances.
The course is exactly as advertised: flat and fast, with hydration stations placed at regular and helpful intervals. Another standout aspect was the course markings—clear and consistent—with volunteers stationed precisely where any potential confusion might arise.
If you’re seeking a scenic race, the Illinois Marathon might not be for you. It’s a college town surrounded by cornfields—which has its own kind of charm. BUT—if you’re looking for a well-organized race that reflects your fitness and hard work, then you should seriously consider the Illinois Marathon.
I was supposed to run Carmel on my birthday, so not being able to was incredibly disappointing. But storms—and disappointing times—pass. A week later, in crisp 55-degree weather in Urbana-Champaign and Savoy, I ran my first sub-3-hour marathon. I am immensely grateful to the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend team for so graciously adopting and welcoming those of us who couldn’t run Carmel in the spring of 2025.
Stadium Finish; Solo run after half
Pacer - stadium finish; free photos; family events; amazing swag, snacks and volunteers. After half-point, participation drops-off and not very scenic; however, very flat and fast. MORE
Pacer – stadium finish; free photos; family events; amazing swag, snacks and volunteers. After half-point, participation drops-off and not very scenic; however, very flat and fast.
Awesome Organization and Swag
This was a really fun race, they really put a lot of thought into production, swag and organization. Aid stations were plenty and well placed, expo was kinda small but … MORE
This was a really fun race, they really put a lot of thought into production, swag and organization. Aid stations were plenty and well placed, expo was kinda small but still liked it. I really enjoyed the race overall, definitely a must do race.
Very well organized
I loved this race! The course was flat and easy, nice views of the campus and surrounding community. It was well organized, tons of volunteers, nice t-shirt and medal. The … MORE
I loved this race! The course was flat and easy, nice views of the campus and surrounding community. It was well organized, tons of volunteers, nice t-shirt and medal. The communication throughout was amazing, emails and texts so I always knew what was going on…literally no stress.
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.