The Illinois Marathon is the quintessential spring race, and sometimes I've seen it ranked higher than the Chicago Marathon for best in Illinois. And after running it, I can totally see why.

The expo is at the Rec Center on the campus of the University of Illinois, and is right next to where the race starts and finishes. Because of it's placement by the football and basketball stadium, there is plenty of parking. Just follow the signs and it's super easy. Volunteers inside direct you to the expo, where you grab your bib, drawstring bag, and shirt (more on that later). The expo itself is fairly small, but I'm not a big expo person so that was fine by me.

The race does have a pasta feed the night before. But living close enough, I packed my own dinner (plus I thought the price for the pasta dinner was a little excessive).

Easy was also the name of the game on race morning. After doing a pair of world majors in the Fall, I forgot how easy a small town race can be. Parking is right by the start line, and the race even had bagels and coffee available for runners in the start area. I don't know how many porta-johns the race had, but it was enough since the lines weren't too bad.

The first half of the marathon (and the duration of the Half) runs through downtown, some parks, and campus. The second half runs almost entirely through residential neighborhoods. If turns are your thing, this race is for you. It's also super flat, with the only thing passing for a hill coming at 24, and it's not bad at all.

Aid Stations were very clearly marked with Water and Gatorade. And a surprising amount (I thought) had Gu as well if you needed a gel boost. There was also an unofficial beer station, jello shot station, and pickle juice station.

The finish of the race is on the 50 in the football stadium. I don't love stadium finishes, but I get why they're a thing. Walking out of the stadium (aka up about 30 stairs) is also not something I enjoy, but that's minor.

Now for the swag. I didn't love the medal as I thought it was a little too busy. On the other hand, I LOVE the shirt. Easily the best marathon shirt I've gotten in some time, maybe ever. Finishers also get a finisher blanket (which I am 100% laying under while writing this) which is awesome!

Once you trudge up the stairs, food awaits. It's pretty much all stadium food, but if you're hungry after a marathon, then you'll be in heaven. It was pretty chilly by the time I got done, so I didn't stay for the post-race festivities, but they looked like fun when I walked past.

All in all, I would HIGHLY recommend the Illinois Marathon. Great course, amazing volunteers, and unparalleled organization