The 2019 event was on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 am. It was cool and crisp morning.

Registration: Available online starting at $85 and increased to $115 if spots were open at the expo. Included was a short sleeve, gender specific tech shirt (each was a different color,) bib with timing strip, drawstring bag, and a finish on the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium.

*Many pre-race emails with information, including a note about the weather.

Expo/Packet pickup: The expo and packet pick up was Thursday evening and all day Friday at the nearby Rec Center on campus. Bib pick up was first by going up to clerk that was representing the event you were running, you showed them your unique QR code that was sent via email. They scanned the code and gave you your bib. You could pick up someone else's stuff if they sent your their QR code. No IDs were needed. *I just told them my name* After you got your bib, you then went to the expo to get a drawstring bag filled with flyers and race shirt. The expo was a decent size with area races, running gear and race merchandise.

*Parking for all events was FREE surrounding the stadium area, however there was a lot of traffic, so if you arrived at a busy time just needed to be patient.

*On Friday evening there was a pasta dinner held at the ARC (rec center) which included a speaker series. I believe the cost was around $17.

Pre-Race: The start was managed with corrals. A volunteer stood at the entrance checking bibs. However, needed to pay attention as the sign for the G corral was the the entrance to the F corral, and so on. There were port-o-potties everywhere, with short lines. The National Anthem was sung live and the wheeler division started, followed by the runners.

Race/Course: The course was around Champaign / Urbana on the streets. The half marathon ran with the marathon until they split just after mile 12.
-Scenery - Not super scenic, ran through lots of residential neighborhoods, lots of turning. Did run through the downtown college part and a sculpture park.
-Terrain - All paved except finish on the turf football field. The paved portions were ok, few spots to watch footing.
-Elevation - FLAT! Ok, so for me this is flat, there were some inclines.
-Spectators - There were family and friends on the course. The residents along the course came out and embraced the event. Even a beer stop or people handing out water.
-Aid Stations - There were many Aid stations, with an electrolyte and water. I didn't pay too much attention to the aid stations, as I carried a hydration pack. The half passed a stop with orange slices. I believe we also passed a gel stop or two.
-Course markings- No problems figuring out which way to go. All major intersections had law enforcement, and all other intersections had a volunteer. All miles were marked. There were some timing mats on the course too.
-Photographers - scattered throughout the course *photos sent to my email about an hour after I finished - Free downloads!
-Volunteers - I can't say enough about the volunteers for this race, there were so many!

Finish: The unique part about this race is the the finish on the 50 yard line at the college football stadium. There is an announcer cheering everyone in. You are handed a heat sheet and a medal. There are some photo backdrops set up in the end zone. There was a PR bell to ring. Bottles or water and Gatorade were available as you exited the field. Participants are then encouraged to move off the field. No post race food on the field.

There was access for spectators to sit in the stands and watch their friends and family finish.

Post Race: The concession stands were the place to go for post race food. There were bananas, Nature Valley Granola Bars, pizza, cookies, chips, and pasta. The actual party was on a nearby side street outside the stadium. You could wait in line to get a craft beer, buy race merchandise or try some other samples. I believe some food trucks were set up too.

My race: I signed up for the Illini Badger Challenge, run the Illinois half marathon and the Madison Mini and you would get an additional medal. I had no other race day goals but to finish, so I would be half way to and extra medal.
I did my best to keep moving the entire time. I did stop to splash a cup of water on my face about the halfway point, and when I started going again my ankle wasn't having it. I battled this for the next couple miles before it was good again. At mile 11 I had a beer and it was good!! At mile 12 I called my husband to let him know where I was. Then I just cruised into the field waving at my husband and friends.

Overall: I gloat about a Hawkeye running into the endzone again... but with all that joking aside, this race is a great event. The logistics are easy, the course is easy to navigate and all the details are taken care of. If it fits in the schedule I will be back.