CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – Nearly 11,000 runners from around the world gathered in Champaign-Urbana this past weekend to compete in the 16th annual Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, which ran from April 24–26 and featured fast times, returning champions, and new course records.
Jaime Marcos, a Champaign local and Dr. Howard Elementary teacher, who finished first in the men’s marathon with a time of 2:22:23, shaving nearly seven minutes off his previous winning time. In the women’s marathon, Tera Moody crossed the line first in 2:47:21, while Kamden Romano once again led the non-binary division, defending their title with a time of 3:25:32. The wheelchair half marathon was won by Hoda Elshorbagy in 57:45. A member of the Illinois wheelchair racing team, Elshorbagy recently placed ninth in the Boston Marathon’s women’s wheelchair division. In the half marathon, Lanni Marchant set a new course record in the women’s division with a time of 1:12:45, beating the previous mark set in 2019. Curtis Eckstein took the men’s title in 1:05:25, while Corey Peters topped the non-binary category.
The 10K and 5K races saw several repeat champions: Brian Bundren and Trish Black defended their 10K titles, and Samantha Mabry won both the women’s 5K and mile run. Kyle Hummel, Alder Philipps, Benjamin Joselyn, and Will O’Brien also claimed top spots in their respective categories.
This year’s event also prioritized inclusivity. Organizers expanded the “Welcome Wave,” a special race segment for families and runners with disabilities, which saw participation from nearly 20 runners. They also continued partnerships with Deaf athletes and PACE, helping make the event more accessible.
Additionally, the Kicks for CU Kids program, which provides free shoes and socks to youth runners in need, returned for another year in collaboration with local store Body n’ Sole.