Course Info

Courses

All of the races start and finish on campus of the University of Illinois — home of the Fighting Illini. Start near Assembly Hall, run through crowd-filled neighborhoods and tree-lined parks, and finish on the 50-yard line of historic Memorial Stadium.

The maps show course routes; mile markers; hydration, gel, and medical stations; and relay exchange zones. All of the maps are PDF files.

• Marathon and relay (2 pages)
• Half marathon
• 10K
• 5K
• Beltway (how drivers can avoid road closures on race day)
• Expo and race-day parking (2011)
• Running Along an Ice Age Trail (how glaciers formed the topography of the race course; 4MB)

The full marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. The half marathon is also certified.

Parking

We will have free parking for runners and spectators. See the 2011 map (for now).

Hydration Stations

There are 16 hydration stations on the course. Hydration stations will be stocked with water (all stations), electrolyte drink (most stations), and GU (mile 6.6, which is shortly after marathon relay exchange zone A; mile 11.5; mile 15; and mile 21). The GU flavors will be announced later.

Toilets

Relax. There will be plenty of portable toilets at the start and along the entire course. (This year, we promise to have them facing the right way.) (And unlocked.)

Entertainment

You will not be able to run more than a couple of miles without being entertained by musicians, cheerleaders, or other performers. Check the entertainment page for more information as it develops.

Race Photography

Our official race photographer is Brightroom, the leader in sports photography around the world. Photos will be available for purchase shortly after the completion of your race.