Join me on April 28-30, 2016 for the 8th Annual Illinois Marathon in “micro-urban” Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois campus!

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I have run the half marathon every year for this event since it began in 2009 not just because it’s in my backyard, but because it has quickly become a premier race in the United States, especially due to its supportive crowds and fun atmosphere.

Illinois Marathon

That excitement. That rush just before the start!

There are race options for all ages and abilities (below), all of which finish in historical Memorial Stadium. I have enjoyed the I-Challenge which allows you to “warm-up” with a 5K on Friday night before the big race on Saturday morning whether you are doing the 10K, Half or Full Marathon.

SIGN UP HERE starting July 28, 2015 for the best prices! I hope you will join me!

  • Marathon
  • Half Marathon
  • Marathon Relay (4 person)
  • 10K
  • 5K
  • Full I-Challenge (5K on Friday + full marathon on Saturday)
  • Half I-Challenge (5K on Friday + half marathon on Saturday)
  • Mini i-Challenge (5K on Friday + 10K on Saturday)
  • Youth Run (Roughly 1K with a finish in Memorial Stadium)

The last two years I have tweeted during my run (aka “twunning”) to try to capture the spirit and fun on the course. (See my GUIDE: Twunning (Tweeting + Running) a Race!)

Here are some of my photos from past years:

Illinois Marathon

Finishing the half marathon in 2015 after it rained most of the race.

Illinois Marathon

Mile 0: USA! Thanks Champaign Fire Department!

Illinois Marathon

Illinois Alma Mater Selfie

Illinois Marathon

One of the great signs to keep you going!

Illinois Marathon

Hilarious!

Illinois Marathon

Lincoln ran a race in front of the Champaign Courthouse too! (May 12, 1851 Abraham Lincoln, while he was a lawyer, won a footrace against Samuel Waters.)

Illinois Marathon

Bacon ‘n Beer Station!

Illinois Marathon

Non-human fans work too!

Illinois Marathon

A race signage “classic”

Illinois Marathon

5K + 13.1m of twunning done!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.