Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend Invites Runners to “Leave Your Legacy” at 2026 Event

Organizers announce annual theme as planning continues for April races

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, which returns April 23-25, 2026, has shared the selected theme for its 2026 edition. “Leave Your Legacy” was chosen by organizers to celebrate individual accomplishments by all who take part in the weekend, and how, together, they create an enduring impact in the community. For the past 12 years, the event has selected an annual theme that nods to trending topics, local points of pride, community celebrations and more. Registration for all events is now open.

“Runners, volunteers, staff and partners can all make a lasting impact through their unique Race Weekend experience,” said Jan Seeley, race director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “From athletic excellence to taking the first step towards health, from building inclusive programming to giving back to charity, every person who joins us for Race Weekend has a chance to write a story to remember.”

Along with the theme, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend has revealed its official race poster, which visually captures the “Leave Your Legacy” theme. Around 1,500 copies of the poster will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Health and Fitness Expo. This year, the poster features an image of runners’ legs and shoes traversing the course in Meadowbrook Park, with a mirrored reflection of their movements on the path below. This visual represents the mark that participants make on their journey to the finish line and the legacy they create with each step.

Mainstay distances and new challenges await participants at the 17th annual event. Race Weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, mile, youth run and eight multi-event challenges. New I-Challenges this year include the Micro i-Challenge, combining the Michael Hogue Team Mile and the 5K, and the Nano i-Challenge, connecting the Michael Hogue Team Mile and the Busey Illinois Youth Run. 

The courses offer scenic tours of the University of Illinois campus, downtown Champaign-Urbana & Savoy streets, tree-lined residential neighborhoods and paved park trail. Participants will experience a one-of-a-kind finish line located at the 50-yard line of the University of Illinois’ historic Memorial Stadium.

For more information about Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit

www.IllinoisMarathon.com and follow the event on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT CHRISTIE CLINIC ILLINOIS RACE WEEKEND

The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is an annual running event that takes participants through the scenic streets of Champaign-Urbana & Savoy, Ill. It is one of the largest races in the United States, drawing over 15,000 runners in past years, and is led by award-winning Race Director Jan Seeley. The 2026 edition will take place on April 23–25, and will feature a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, youth run and multi-event challenges. To learn more about the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit www.IllinoisMarathon.com.

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