CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- The inception of the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend dates back to 2007, aiming to foster health and wellness in central Illinois. Mark Knutson, the founder of Go Far Events, initiated the event after successfully directing a similar race in his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.
In 2009, the first Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend drew an unexpected turnout of 9,715 participants from 42 states and 6 countries, doubling the organizers’ projections. The following year saw further growth, with 14,689 participants joining the event.
Following the second edition, local community members and Christie Clinic acquired the event from Knutson. Jan Seeley assumed the role of director, supported by a staff of nine and a 65-member committee.
Over the initial 14 years, the race garnered nearly 210,000 registrations, raising over $1.734 million for local charities and generating an average annual economic impact exceeding $6 million.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 races. However, the event triumphantly returned in 2022 with over 10,000 participants. Yet, due to police shortages in Champaign-Urbana, the marathon distance was omitted from Race Weekend until the 2023 event.
In 2024, the full marathon distance reclaimed its place in Race Weekend. Jan Seeley, the event director, emphasized the significance of this reinstatement, stating, “Despite challenges, we maintained our commitment to the full marathon distance, recognizing its importance to our race weekend and community.”
Each year, stakeholders including owners, sponsors, committee members, and the Champaign-Urbana community collaborate to ensure that the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend delivers a memorable experience for all participants.
The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend offers participants the perfect blend of big-city running event excitement within the warm embrace of the Champaign-Urbana and Savoy community. In 2024, it will host the 2024 Illinois RRCA State Championship Marathon, drawing top competitors from around the state.
This race weekend boasts a truly distinctive finish line: the 50-yard line of the University of Illinois’ iconic Memorial Stadium. Participants of the 15th annual Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend can choose from a variety of races, including a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, 4-person relay, youth run, and eight multi-event challenges.
Every participant is treated to high-quality race shirts, medals, refreshments, and lively celebrations. The 2024 finisher medals for the marathon, half marathon, relay, and 10K feature a unique hinge design, revealing a secondary design beneath the main face, creating a stunning two-in-one effect. Emblazoned with the theme “REUNITED,” the medal face symbolizes the spirit of the weekend. As the hinges open and close, the word “REUNITED” splits apart and then seamlessly reconnects, echoing the event’s theme of unity and togetherness.