Alumni Shine at the 17th Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend

The 17th annual Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend brought together thousands of runners in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy from April 23–25, 2026, featuring races ranging from 5K to marathon distances. Among the standout performers were several alumni of the Urbana High School cross-country program, continuing a tradition of excellence in distance running.

Park Mitchell, a Urbana High School graduate and former News-Gazette All-Area Boys’ Cross-Country honorable mention selection, won the men’s 10K race with a time of 33 minutes and 41 seconds. Mitchell, who also served as Urbana’s High School Confidential reporter during his time at school, demonstrated the enduring strength of the local running community.

In the women’s marathon, Mackenzie Barnett claimed victory in 2 hours, 51 minutes, and 48 seconds, finishing strong inside Gies Memorial Stadium. On the men’s side, Benjamin Rosa of Lake Bluff finished just outside the course record with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 25 seconds—only 14 seconds behind the record set by Wilson Chemweno in 2019.

Other notable performances included Jaime Marcos, a teacher at Dr. Howard Elementary in Champaign, who placed third in the men’s marathon in 2:21.12 as he pursued an unprecedented third consecutive title. In the half marathon, Clinton’s Payne Turney won the women’s division in 1:14.11, while Bloomington’s Nick Doud took the men’s title in 1:05.30.

The weekend also featured community events such as the 27th-Mile Celebrate Victory Bash, open to the public with food, drinks, and live music sponsored by Meijer. Participants benefited from services like the RunConcierge for logistical support and a official race app providing live updates.

With its flat and prompt courses, scenic route through Champaign-Urbana, and Boston Marathon qualifying status, the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend remains a premier event in the Midwest running calendar, drawing both elite athletes and community runners alike.

Key Takeaways

• Park Mitchell, Urbana High School alumnus, won the men’s 10K in 33:41 at the 2026 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend.
• Mackenzie Barnett won the women’s marathon in 2:51:48; Benjamin Rosa placed second in the men’s marathon in 2:18:25.
• The event took place April 23–25, 2026, and included 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon races.
• Runners enjoyed a scenic, flat course through Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, with a finish inside Memorial Stadium.
• The race serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier and features strong community involvement and post-race celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the 17th Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend held?

The 17th Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend took place from April 23 to April 25, 2026, in Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, Illinois.

Who won the men’s 10K at the 2026 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend?

Park Mitchell, a graduate of Urbana High School, won the men’s 10K with a time of 33 minutes and 41 seconds.

Is the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon a Boston Qualifier?

Yes, the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier, offering runners a chance to earn a qualifying time for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

Where did the races finish?

The races concluded inside Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, providing a memorable finish-line experience for participants.