Chambana Sun

Community leaders in Champaign and Urbana, along with officials from the Village of Savoy, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of thousands of participants and fans for the 2024 Illinois Christie Clinic Race Weekend scheduled for April 25-27. The annual event, which includes a full marathon, is not only a source of community pride but also significantly contributes to the local economy by boosting tourism and supporting small businesses.

Residents are encouraged to show their support for the race participants by cheering them on or volunteering to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. However, with the influx of out-of-town visitors, there may be some disruptions to normal weekend routines, including road closures and temporary changes to bus routes. Race organizers are collaborating closely with local officials to minimize these disruptions while prioritizing the safety of everyone involved.

This year, the full marathon makes a return with a new route that will take runners through Urbana, Champaign, and Savoy before finishing inside Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Residents and businesses along the new marathon route are advised to familiarize themselves with the changes.

As preparations for the race weekend continue, race organizers are keeping residents informed with details about road closures, bus reroutes, event schedules, race route maps, and opportunities for volunteering. Additional information regarding the timing of road closures and bus reroutes will be provided by local agencies in advance of the event.

For more information and updates on the 2024 Illinois Race Weekend, residents are encouraged to visit IllinoisMarathon.com.

The community leaders and organizers are looking forward to hosting a successful and memorable race weekend, showcasing the spirit of unity and support in the Champaign-Urbana area.