CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — A sea of sneakers will hit the pavement as the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend kicks off, bringing with it three days packed with community spirit, personal victories, and even lifesaving lessons.
The annual event, described by Race Director Jan Seeley as their “Super Bowl,” runs Thursday through Saturday, with more than 4000 participants already registered for Friday’s popular 5K event. It’s a celebration of tradition, health, and human endurance, and this year’s theme—Tradition and Triumph—sets the tone.
“People have stories and life experiences that have led them to this point," said Seeley. "It's a very happy day."
The weekend begins Thursday evening with the Health & Fitness Expo and the Michael’s Run Team Mile near Memorial Stadium. Friday’s schedule includes the 5K and Saturday closes with five race options: the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 10K, and the youth run.
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Seeley calls the 5K “the people’s race,” welcoming everyone from toddlers in wagons to grandparents.
“We want everybody to feel that they can do it,” she said.
The finish line is memorable for runners. They will cross into Memorial Stadium, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
“Honestly, it brings me to tears every year,” Seeley shared. “It’s quite breathtaking to see yourself on that scoreboard.”
This year, the race is about more than medals—it’s about lifesaving training. Following a cardiac arrest during last year’s event, organizers launched a community-wide hands-only CPR training initiative. Six sessions have already been held, and on Friday, another 225 people will be trained inside the stadium.
"Everybody who does the training receives a back bib," said Seeley. "So, imagine at the start line there will be a lot of runners who all have that bib on their back.
Those not running can still be part of the experience. Community members are encouraged to cheer from along the race route. To look at a map to find the best viewing spots, click here.
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