The fifth annual event will offer a 5-mile and 5K course around Crystal Lake Park in Urbana |
| URBANA, Ill. – Run to Remember is returning for its fifth annual event on Oct. 4. Produced by the organizers of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, Run to Remember is an event to honor the memories of those we miss, cherish those within our midst and work together for a peaceful tomorrow. Those interested in taking part in the Run to Remember event can choose between two distances: a 5-mile run and a 5K run or walk. Registration for both events is now open. Those taking part in Run to Remember, whether as a participant, volunteer, race staff, medical, or public works official, all have the chance to sport a special race bib, which is designed to be worn on their back during the event. The back bib displays the message, “Today, I Remember…” with a blank space where each person can write names and show images of the people or moments they are paying homage to that day. “Anyone who has experienced grief and loss can find support and comfort in joyful movement. Running or walking to honor someone or something important in your life can jumpstart the path to healing,” said Jan Seeley, race director of Run to Remember and Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “Our goal is to build an event that provides people a place to come together and have a strong focus on those who are missed, celebrate those within our midst and move forward in a truly meaningful way.” The 5-Mile Run and 5K Run/Walk start and end inside Crystal Lake Park in Urbana. The 5-Mile Run includes a loop outside the park. After participants complete their distance, they can join together in celebration and remembrance at the post-race celebration, featuring food and music at the main pavilion at Crystal Lake Park. Run to Remember is presented by Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, which returns April 23-25, 2026. This year’s Race Weekend offers a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, mile, youth run and eight 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. For more information about Run to Remember and the 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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