4 running events in Champaign County, Illinois

Welcome to the Second Wind Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend Training Program!

Runners of all experience levels, from the walker-runners to the seasoned speedsters, are welcome!

By the first group run on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, we do ask that you have built yourself up to be able to go at least 4 miles (run or run/walk).

We will be using the same programs from last year, with two separate levels (beginner and intermediate). Group runs and other training has been updated/added.

Just like last year, pacers will be required to pay a registration fee. We will be charging pacers the same registration fee. If a pacer participates in 12 of the 16 training runs, they will have their full registration and fees refunded. Pacers receive all the same benefits as the runners.

New this year:

• Registration will $40 for the training program

• Technical training shirt is optional for an additional $10

Benefits of the program include:

• Two levels of training (beginner and intermediate) - Beginner level runners may not have run a half marathon, or have run less than two and would like to improve how they train. Intermediate level runners have run a few half marathons and are wanting to improve their time and how they train.

• Weekly scheduled runs and training on Saturdays with planned routes

• An in-depth plan that lays out what to do each day of the program

• Mentor-pacers who are experienced runners

• Nuts and bolts talk the week before race weekend

• Training program party the week after race weekend

This year’s program offers 16 weeks of training, beginning with the first run on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, at 730am. After that, we will meet Saturday mornings at 8am. The training is aimed at participating in the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, April 23-25, 2026. There will be an informational Zoom meeting held on Monday, December 29th, 2025, at 7pm. Our Coordinators - Jan Seeley, David Ammermann, and Niki Lake Olmo - will be on hand to go over the training and answer any questions you may have. All training plans will be emailed to participants prior to this date.

Marathon Training Information: Unfortunately, we will not be offering formal marathon training with this program. For those wanting to train for the marathon, some participants will meet at 7am to get in a few miles before the group runs; then run with the group as scheduled; then, if needed, run a few more miles after.

Dogs: We love our little four-footed friends, but due to liability issues they are not allowed at the training events. The only exception are service dogs. These dogs are approved and must have a harness or something else that they are wearing to show that they are a service dog. They must also be leashed at all times. This is an ordinance for both the city and county.

Second Wind Running Club membership is required. If you are not a member, or your membership has expired, please click here to become a member or renew your membership, then come back and join the training program. Membership will be verified.

Race the Countryside 10k!

In person Countryside 10k:

• Registration: online registration only and closes Saturday June 6th 7:15 a.m.

• Course: start/finish at Witt Park, Sidney. Once runners leave the park they will be on country roads. There will be volunteers at most intersections and arrows on pavement. Each runner is encouraged to run on the left side of the road and must be aware of cars. There may be loose gravel or potholes. Please use caution.

• Bib pick-up will be at Body n’ Sole (1317 N Dunlap St, Savoy) on Friday, June 5th from 4 to 6 pm, and race morning from 6:45 to 7:15 am.

• Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, overall male/female masters winners, and to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over

• Post-race giveaways: Must be present to win.

• Included in your registration

• Sidney Dairy Barn ice cream sandwich (in person on race day only)

• We can't have a successful race without volunteers. Please consider volunteering. Click the volunteer link in the above menu.

Join us in celebrating the life and memory of Corey S. Thompsen – a beloved husband, family member, friend, and Illinois State Trooper who passed away in the line of duty at 28 years old. Corey was an avid runner, earning his varsity letter in cross country and track all four years at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. He competed for both Western Illinois University and Danville Area Community College.

The Trooper Thompsen Memorial 5k will be a fitting event to carry on Corey's love of running and community. You're invited to Woodard Family Park for the race, touch-a-truck, face painting, food trucks, 50/50 drawing, and raffles. Proceeds and donations will go to the Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Memorial Fund, which will help support local charitable projects and scholarships in Corey's name.

Kids Fun Run Includes:

• A one-lap, marked course of approximately a half mile

• Finisher medal

5k Registration Includes:

• Chip timing

• Finisher medal

• Race shirt (guaranteed for those who register by May 20)

• Awards to overall winners, top male and female first responder, and top three finishers in each age group

Register by May 20 to guarantee a shirt with your 5k entry.

Packet Pick-Up

Race packets will be available for pick-up at the Woodard Family Park Pavilion Friday, June 12 from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, June 13 (race day) from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Awards

Awards will be distributed at the conclusion of the 5k, around 6:15 p.m., to the overall male and female, top male and female first responder, and top three finishers by age group.

Age groups for male and female are:

• 14 and under

• 15-19

• 20-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60+

Thank you to Body n' Sole for generously awarding running shoes to the first place overall male and female finishers.

Race Route & Timing

See below for maps of the 5k route. Thank you to Second Wind Race Timing for their services at this event.

The Tolono Twilight Trek 5K Run / Walk is part of a long Tolono Fun Days tradition. We will have the 5K Run / Walk beginning Friday evening at 6:00 pm at West Side Park in Tolono, IL. Registration is $30 until May 31st which will include a t-shirt, after that date registration will be $35 with no option to select a t-shirt during registration. There may be an option to get a shirt on race day for those who were unable to request a t-shirt during registration, but this is subject to availability and there is no guarantee of a shirt.

Prior to the race we will be offering a Kiddie 1K Fun Run beginning at 5:30 pm at the same location. In lieu of a registration fee, we will be accepting monetary donations or non-perishable food items for the Kiddie 1K Fun Run. All donations will be disseminated to a local food pantry. T-Shirts will not be provided for Kiddie 1K Fun Run participants.