For this issue, I set out to answer a pretty common question: Why do we do it?
Strength training for runners can help with two of their most important issues: injury prevention and improved running economy.
Champaign-Urbana will
become running grounds for an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people for the
inaugural Illinois Marathon set for April 25, 2009.
Home territory to the Illini, the 26.2-mile race will start outside of the University of Illinois’ Assembly Hall and will finish on the 50-yard line of Memorial Stadium. “It will be a pretty awesome feeling for people to finish the race on that field,” said Mark Knutson, Illinois Marathon executive director.
The race route will be flat and fast, taking runners through Champaign and Urbana’s historic neighborhoods and parks. “Illinois is a great state for running in terms of the strong running community,” Knutson said. Because Champaign is centrally located between major metropolitan areas, it is more accessible to many other areas.
With an area that can easily accommodate thousands of people, Knutson wants to focus on the marathons character. “We want to put on a quality event. The infrastructure is already there, so we want to focus on the quality of the event from the race itself down to T-shirts and awards.”
The Illinois marathon offers a number of events come April, offering a half-marathon, marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and youth race. Knutson hopes to have 20,000 people within the next three to five years and plans to leave a lasting impression in 2009. “Post-race will be something people will remember. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, but we have a lot of great things planned, one we hope to be our trademark,” said Knutson. www.illinoismarathon.com
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What’s the appeal of endurance sports? 
