The 2017 event was on Saturday, April 22 at 7:03 am. It was cool, around 45 degrees, sunny and windy.

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, bib with timing strip, drawstring bag, and a finish on the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium.

*Many pre-race emails with information.

Expo/Packet pickup: The expo opened Thursday evening and all day Friday at the nearby Rec Center on campus. The expo was a decent size with area races, running gear and race merchandise. However, you did get to the expo space until after you walked through packet pick up. This started 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. After you got your bib, you then went to the expo to get a drawstring bag filled with flyers and race shirt.

*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) this also included a talk from Dick Beardsley. There were 2 pasta options and a GF option.

Pre-Race: The start was managed with corrals. No one was checking the the entry into them. There were a lot of participants that were managed with a corral start. There were port-o-potties everywhere, but seemed they all had 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.
-Scenery - Not very scenic, ran through lots of residential neighborhoods, lots of turning. Did run by a golf course and through the downtown college part.
-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. Most of the spectators were in the form of the volunteers.
-Aid Stations - There were many Aid stations, with lemon lime Gatorade and water. Not all stops had the Gatorade, but there were enough on course. The liquid was in the same cups, but volunteers made sure you knew what you were drinking. *I was given a heads up that the water on course had a "hose" taste" I brought my own, but also took what was provided, I could taste the difference in water. There were 2 fruit stops on course. Also provided was a gel - but since I don't use them, not sure how many there were. Some residents had their own aid stations too.
-Moving Course Aid - there were bikes that were monitoring the course too, they would chat and check in on people, biking back and forth.
-Course markings- No problems figuring out which way to go. All major intersections had law enforcement, and all other intersections had an energetic volunteer - that was NOT on their phone. All miles were marked. There were some timing mats on the course too.
-Photographers - Marathonfoto on the course.
-Volunteers - I can't say enough about the volunteers for this race, there were so many! As someone who isn't fast, it was nice to have them on the course still cheering us all on!

Finish: The unique part about this race is the run onto the football field, the finish timing mat with arch is at the 50 yard line. You are handed a cool medal, and there is a chance to grab a bottle of water and a hydration drink. There is a Marathonfoto backdrop set up, for them only to take your picture. 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, pretzels, cookies and pasta. The actual party was on a nearby side street outside the stadium. This year was the 150th anniversary of the school, there was cake!! Also you could wait in line to get a craft beer. * I was inside the stadium too long and didn't get cake or beer, it was closed up.

My race: This was my 22nd marathon, and 2 weeks after a 50k. I am not sure what I was doing...but I gave it a try, I thought I would have a great race. However, I am not sure what happened. I just wasn't having it. After the halfway point, around mile 15 I went to running .75 miles and walking .25 miles. The wind was bothering me and I couldn't shake it. I was then hungry around mile 22. I just kept moving forward, and I finished..nothing great, but a finish. Not sure if need a running break, I didn't eat enough (as there was no sauceless pasta option at the pasta diner) or if I didn't have enough sleep. Whatever the deal, no matter how many you run, they never get easier.

Overall: As a fan from another B1G school, the University of Illinois does a great job of putting on an excellent event. The course itself isn't too scenic but the energetic volunteers and fun finish make it a race to put on your calendar.