As a previous student of the University of Illinois, I've ran this half marathon 3 times (2010, 2012, 2013). This is a very great, easily accessible race to current students and a rather large race for the location in central Illinois. The course is not very scenic unless you are really into corn fields and neighborhoods (re: central Illinois), but it does go down Green Street and downtown Urbana in the first few miles (usually packed with spectators) and ends on the Illini football field - which is a pretty great finish. My mother and several friends have ran this race for the marathon and it definitely dies out a lot in terms of fellow racers and spectators after half. I ran the last 3 miles of the 26.2 with my mom in 2013 and it was pretty vacant - so if you are a person that is motivated by a decent amount of fellow racers and spectators nearby, this full marathon is not ideal. The half marathon and team relay races are definitely the most popular. It is crowded but not too crowded in comparison to a big city race. According to my personal preference, there is comfortable spacing by mile 2 or 3. Overall, I think the race is pretty well organized, the course is fast and flat, and if you're an Illinois alum or student it is a fun race to participate in (and a good excuse to go stuff your face afterwards at one of your favorite campus restaurants).