From start to stadium: Illinois Marathon brings runners and energy to C-U

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Runners from central Illinois and across the country laced up their shoes for the Illinois Marathon this weekend in C-U.

Runners took off from the starting line at St. Mary's Road and 1st Street just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, near the State Farm Center.

The course made its way through parts of Champaign-Urbana and Savoy and ended at the 50-yard line inside Gies Memorial Stadium.

One runner shared his experience in the race.

"Really cool to see the community come out in force like this. It was easier to run alongside people than during the training, and there was a lot of motivation out there, and it was just great to see smiles on everyone's faces," said John Cederberg.

The race wrapped up with the 27th mile celebration bash along Kirby Avenue just south of the stadium.