“Every Mile Tells A Story” captures participants’ unique journeys before, during and beyond race day, plus inspiring athletes from 2026 showcased in poster design
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – In anticipation of the 18th running of the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend happening April 22-24, 2027, the event has revealed the theme for next year’s race weekend: “Every Mile Tells A Story.” Organizers say that this theme celebrates the personal stories behind every participant. Their goal was to capture the unique journeys to and on race day that become a defining chapter in each participant’s life. In addition to the theme, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend also unveils its annual race poster. This year, it features emotion-filled photos of athletes who took part in 2026. Registration for the 2027 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is now open, and prices will increase on Aug. 31.
“Every participant arrives at the start line for a different reason, and our 2027 theme will highlight the epic, emotional and inspiring stories that unfold before, during and well-beyond race day for our participants,” said Jan Seeley, race director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “As they embark onto the course, they become the main character, writing new pages with every step where they discover engaging characters, encounter thrilling twists and turns, and discover as they cross the finish line that they are the hero of their own story.”
In tandem and to highlight the 2027 theme, the race has also presented its 2027 official race poster design. The poster visually showcases the climactic, emotional finish line moments of five participants in 2026. Each found their hero moment, ranging from achieving a Boston Marathon qualifying time to beating cancer. Around 1,500 copies of the poster will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend’s Health and Fitness Expo, which takes place April 22-23, 2027.
This is the 12th year that the event has selected an annual theme, each of which has nodded to trending topics, local points of pride, community celebrations and more.
Those interested in taking part in the race are encouraged to register early. Last year’s event saw high demand with the marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K distances all selling out. The event has earned praise for offering both a hometown feel and major city race day features and amenities. The courses take participants on a scenic tour of the University of Illinois campus, downtown streets, tree-lined residential neighborhoods, paved park trails in Champaign-Urbana and Savoy and wrap up at the unique finish line located at the 50-yard line of the University of Illinois’ historic Geis 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
Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend creates innovative and inspiring running experiences in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy, Ill. On the third Sunday in April, the organization produces three days of events including a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, youth run, multi-event challenges, a health and fitness expo and other community-focused activations. In the fall, it produces Run to Remember, an event to honor the memories of those we miss, cherish those within our midst and work together for a peaceful tomorrow. The organization aims to practice inclusivity and create impact in Central Illinois through its events. Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend has donated $2.065 million to charities in the community since its inception and generates an estimated $4 million in economic impact each year. To learn more about the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit www.IllinoisMarathon.com.