Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon (Half) 2011
Saturday, April 30th 2011 at 7:30 AM Champaign, IL- Distances:
- Half Marathon and Marathon
- Weather:
- Local Weather
- Website:
- http://illinoismarathon.com/
Checking weather...
Race Reports
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Christie Clinic Illinois Half Marathon
Lined up around 2:30 goal group, planned to keep sight of them, but wanted to start slow so I could run it all and enjoy it. Forgot to sync my special playlist, but oh well... went with what worked for my 11-mi run. I ran all of it but a few of the aid stations in the second half, yet managed to post faster mile times in second half. Relaxed, enjoyed spectators, and let people pass in the first miles. Felt good even on hills around Stone Creek (with headwind!) Missed GU around mile 7 - too busy waving at parents, then looked down to see empty packets... %#*! Thought I could get by with Gatorade, but none until after Meadowbrook! Started feeling "wobbly" enough to contemplated picking up half-finished packets. Grabbed Gatorade from a medical station, and it brought me back. (Lesson: always have an extra GU!) From there, kept telling myself to "just run until _insert point here_". Ended up finishing strong.
by Rachel W. -
Illinois Half Marathon, terrific race, well organzied
This was my 5th half marathon, first time at IL. I thought it was well organized and supported. It was fun to run through the campus and to finish on the 50 yard line of their football stadium. Having Gu before mile 7 was nice and unusual for a half. The crowd support was good with the exception of a portion run through a park. The medals were very nice, heavy with nice ribbons. I completed the I-Challenge where I ran the 5k on Friday evening and the HM on Saturday. So I earned 3 medals!
by Mary N. -
Illinois Half Marathon
I loved the course. I graduated from U of I in 2009, so it was a fun trip down memory lane. I loved my medal so much I wore it for two days. Overall, I thought the race was tons of fun. A great weekend with great friends!
What I didn't love:
by Allison C.
(1) The shirts this year (2011) were butt ugly, and also too big. I spent $5 to buy a shirt from the previous year.
(2) It didn't seem like the water stops were close enough together.
(3) I didn't see a lot of port o potties on the course, which I would have used if I saw one without a line. I held it.
(4) At the end of the race you have to walk up the stadium steps to get to the food and bathroom. Ouch!
(5) I think the students / university should get more involved. I thought I would see a lot out cheering for us, but not so much. I know if I was in college a marathon might be a good excuse to party early in the morning and support the runners.
