CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend will be hosting its 16th annual Race Weekend.

The annual Race Weekend will take place from April 24 to 26. They will be giving free shoes to the local youth through Kicks for CU Kids. To expand the experience, Illinois American Water made a $5,000 donation to the Flow Forward Fund. The donation went towards providing complimentary entries to students at Bottenfield Elementary, International Prep Academy, and 16 Race Weekend Charity Running Partners.

“Illinois American Water is proud to support the creation of the Flow Forward Fund, which reflects our core values of breaking down barriers, uplifting others and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Lucas Esteppe, director of operations – Eastern Division, Illinois American Water. “By supporting individuals who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate, we’re not just sponsoring race entries—we’re promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and fostering camaraderie and community through the shared experience of the race.”
Race Weekend created and launched the non-profit Kicks for CU Kids in partnership with Body n’ Sole Sports. The organization aims to provide free running shoes and socks for the youth who needed it for the 5K or Busey Bank Illinois Youth Run. In 2024, the organization provided shoes and socks to over 70 students. They have received 10 grant application in the past year and anticipate about 160 pairs to local youth.
“The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend truly wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible support from our local community,” said Jan Seeley, race director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “Our race team is so thankful for all they do for us, and we continue to do all we can to return the favor. These expanded programs will help us all grow together and create opportunities for everyone to succeed on and off the race course.”
Race Weekend has added the Welcome Wave, a dedicated heat within the Busey Illinois Youth Run, designed to be inclusive and disability-friendly. Some features of it include:
  • The heat will be the first race run in the Busey Illinois Youth Run event, immediately following the national anthem, minimizing wait time and the total duration of participation.
  • The heat will be run on the same course as the Busey Illinois Youth Run event, on the turf inside Memorial Stadium. Participants are welcome to run, walk, or roll the course in full or a shortened distance.
  • Participants in this heat will be able to exit the stadium directly at the same level and still receive post-race food.
  • Age restrictions do not apply to the Welcome Wave heat.
For more information about Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit www.IllinoisMarathon.com and follow the event on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.