New Multi-Event Challenges Coming to 2026 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend

August 20, 2025

Participants can mix the event’s shortest distances with the new Micro and Nano i-Challenges

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (August 20, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – In preparation for the 17th annual Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, organizers are introducing two new multi-race I-Challenge events for runners looking to expand their Race Weekend experience. The Micro i-Challenge will combine the Michael Hogue Team Mile and the 5K, and the Nano i-Challenge will connect the Michael Hogue Team Mile and the Busey Illinois Youth Run. Both challenges feature the shortest distances offered during the weekend, allowing both beginners and sprinters of all ages to double up their participation, swag and medals. Registration for all events, including the two new I-Challenges, is now open.

“To create the best experience for our participants, we consistently review their feedback and trends in registration to understand where we can improve and enhance Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. What we discovered showed us that it was time for something new!” said Jan Seeley, race director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “The introduction of the Nano and Micro i-Challenges reflects data that shows many of our participants already complete these multi-event combinations – now, they’ll receive special recognition and swag for doing so!”

As two new challenges join the lineup, one event has officially been retired from Race Weekend: the 4-person marathon relay. It will not return in 2026 due to declining interest in recent years. Teams that may have taken part in the relay are encouraged to complete the 10K race together as individual entrants, which will allow them to complete nearly the same distance as they would have in the relay.

The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend returns April 23-25, 2026. In addition to the new Micro and Nano i-Challenges, Race Weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, mile, youth run and eight other multi-event challenges. The courses offer scenic tours of the University of Illinois campus, downtown Champaign-Urbana & Savoy streets, tree-lined residential neighborhoods and paved park trails. Participants will experience a one-of-a-kind finish line located at the 50-yard line of the University of Illinois’ historic Memorial Stadium.

Off the race course, those interested in taking part in Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend can volunteer, cheer on runners and even visit the Health and Fitness Expo. At the expo, held April 23 and 24 at the Activities and Recreation Center on the U of I campus, attendees can shop for new running gear, interact with local vendors, and pick up their race bibs, shirts and swag. Each race features its own unique after-party. The Michael Hogue Team Mile is followed by a post-race gathering with food, drinks and music at The City Center, adjacent to the finish line area. On Friday night, the 4th Mile celebration follows the 5K race. On Saturday, the 27th-Mile celebration will take place following the 10K, half and full marathon races. Both are street fests held just outside of Memorial Stadium with live music, food trucks, and the Riggs Beer Garden.

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.