The Illinois Marathon was held for the first time in April of 2009 in Champaign, making this year the 11th annual race to be held in the city. For the past 10 years, the race has brought in tens of thousands of runners each year to compete in a variety of races offered. Not only do runners come from out-of-town or out-of-state, but also from out of the country. Runners from all over are attracted to this race because it is a race qualifier for the Boston Marathon, and not only that, the flat course produces faster times for runners, making them more inclined to produce qualifying times. While runners are here, they are spending money at restaurants and hotels in the area, allowing race weekend to bring in more than $10 million a year. The tax from that revenue goes back into our community, which can be used to improve roads, help schools, or lower taxes.
The marathon also selects 10 charities, some local and some nationwide, as running partners, making the marathon a great way to fundraise. Two of the local charities being sponsored this year are The Champaign County Humane Society and Crisis Nursery. Even if you are not participating in a race, or not planning to attend, you can still donate to any of this year’s sponsored charities on the Illinois Marathon Website.
If you are participating in a race or going as a spectator, you can expect great amenities all weekend. For runners, digital photos will be available to all finishers, and these images are yours to keep, share, or print. You also have the option to pre-order engraved finisher medals, which will be personalized with your name and finishing time. If you need some energy prior to starting your race, Einstein Bros Bagels is hosting a free Bagel Bite Bar at 5:30 a.m. on April 27. They will serve 5,000 bagel halves and cream cheese until they run out. The Bagel Bite Bar will be open to all runners, spectators, and volunteers. You can check out all the amenities offered throughout the weekend, here.
Spiros Law is proud to not only sponsor the marathon, but also The Illinois Marathon Mobile Race App. The free app has many features such as course maps, leaderboards, and even a live tracking feature which allows you to track your friends and family members running a half-marathon or marathon. It is a must-have for race weekend!
This year will be our fifth year participating as a group in the 5k. We are always proud to run and walk alongside not only our colleagues but also our friends and family in the community. In the past, partners, associates, and office staff have participated in an assortment of races including relays, i-challenges, and both full and half marathons.
Click here to download the latest version of the mobile race app!
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