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| - 2015 was well executed from start to finish. This comes from the perspective of a half-marathoner:
Course
The track is relatively flat and takes you through some of the best parts of Champaign. You go through a few different subdivisions which can get monotonous, but by and large the course keeps your attention off the fact that you're simply putting one foot in front of the other. Some of my favorite parts were the forest preserve and running through downtown Champaign. The setup allows for people to congregate along the entire course, which is much appreciated by runners. And, of course, you finish on the 50-yard line in the football stadium. Interesting side note, it's fascinating how different the surface of the football field was compared to running on concrete. It's a rubber-composite surface and definitely makes you wish you had cleats, albeit for a brief 50-yard stretch.
Organization
The race started on time, and packet pick-up instructions were well communicated. Throughout the weeks leading up to the race, organizers sent e-mails communicating potential scenarios regarding inclement weather which were well appreciated. They did a great job this year. The finish was well organized as well, and I found it very easy to figure out where to go and how to find food/beverages.
Overall Experience
Despite the weather being absolutely horrible, I had an awesome experience at the 2015 race. There were still a ton of people who stood out in the rain for hours to support all the runners. Finishing a long race like this is a triumph no matter who's running, and it's great to see people who recognize and appreciate it. To all the organizers and volunteers, well done!
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