Have run the Illinois Half Marathon in 2014 and 2015, and have to say this is one of the nicest and most friendly races I've been to. My daughter attends the University of Illinois, which makes a great host for race weekend, and it seems like the whole community turns out and supports the runners, either as volunteers or cheering spectators along the course.

The course itself is flat and fast, with the only ascent of note in mile 12, a long very slight incline that can drain tired legs if you're not ready for it. Most of the half marathon goes through the campus and the neighborhoods of Urbana. The scenery is not spectacular but it's a nice route, with enough to look at along with some music along the way. The finish line is in Memorial Stadium on the 50 yard line, making this a nice companion race to the Soldier Field 10 Mile in Chicago. Aid stations are plentiful, the volunteers are trained up and cheerful; and the reception at the finish line is strong with mylars, food, and plenty of support.

Packet pick up is easy on campus, and the race expo isn't bad for the area, and is worth a walk through. The race t-shirts are just ok, but the finisher's medals are usually very nice.

Anyone who ran in 2015 can tell you the weather was a challenge this year--cold and rainy, with the wind blowing in our faces the first half of the race. Semi-epic, and actually made for some fast if soggy times. Race organizers had to call the full marathon because of thunderstorms, which made for some very cranky runners who didn't show their best sides, but the organizers correctly stood their ground and did their best to clear the course in the interest of safety. Volunteers took some uncalled-for abuse but in the end, and overall, it was another great race weekend.