Illinois Marathon
Illinois Marathon mixes campus streets, town roads, and a stadium finish, giving Champaign-Urbana a bigger race-weekend feel than most college-town marathons.
Quick facts
- USATF-certified road marathon with a 6-hour limit.
- Starts near State Farm Center and finishes inside Memorial Stadium.
- Bigger race-weekend atmosphere than a typical regional Midwest marathon.
- Wind can matter as much as the terrain on open sections.
About the Illinois Marathon
This event feels more like a full community weekend than a small local race. The marathon shares energy with the rest of Illinois Race Weekend, and the combination of campus atmosphere and regional draw gives it a broader feel than many spring Midwestern races.
Course
The route starts near State Farm Center, works through campus, Urbana, Champaign, and Savoy, then closes with a finish on the 50-yard line of Memorial Stadium. The course is not defined by one hill or landmark so much as by its constant shift between student, residential, and city sections.
Race-day weather
Late April in central Illinois can be excellent for racing or annoyingly windy. Temperatures are often workable, but exposed stretches mean pace can depend as much on breeze and sun as on the course itself.
Past Illinois Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, April 24, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
| 2025 | Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
| 2024 | Saturday, April 27, 2024 | Completed | Open results |
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Illinois Marathon FAQ
When is the Illinois Marathon?
The 2027 Illinois Marathon is on Saturday, April 24, 2027.
Is Illinois Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Illinois Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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