MAYC Mahomet Half Marathon

This small, central Illinois town plays host to a half-marathon that’s become increasingly popular through the years, as the Mahomet Half Marathon & 5K draws several hundred runners and walkers each year, from all over the state as well as from Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and even as far away as Alabama.The race is on village streets and paved county roads. It is a flat and fast course with gentle rolling hills at the start and near miles 11 and 12. Volunteer timers are stationed at each mile to provide times for runners. There are water and Gatorade aid stations throughout the course. Gu energy gel will be available near mile 7. Porta-potties are available at the half-way point of the half marathon. The race starts at the High School and finishes on the Mahomet-Seymour Stadium track in view of hundreds of cheering supporters. Refreshment and comfort stations are provided at the Runners Village at the end of the race.

Mostly flat and fast and run on a combination of town streets and paved country roads, the race takes runners on an out-and-back loop course through the rolling farmland just outside town, which is home to roughly 5,000 residents.Mahomet’s Seymour High School becomes a hive of activity on the day of the race, as runners start and finish the race, which is organized by the Mahomet Area Youth Club and the Second Wind Runners Club.From the starting line at the school, runners and walkers follow a course that takes them first westward and then northward, with a few gentle hills at the start of the race and as runners approach the finish between miles 11 and 12.Runners in both the 5K and the half marathon finish at the high school’s track and field complex, as 5K participants split off from those running the full 13.1 miles between the first and second mile marker, and run the rest of their race through town and back to the school.

While you’re in town for the race, visit the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve if you have time, as it lies just a few miles from Mahomet’s village center.This 900-acre park along the town’s stretch of the Sangomon River has a botanical garden, two large lakes for fishing and boating, an 18-hole regulation golf course, and acres and acres of forests with hiking and walking trails throughout.

Cash awards of $300, $150 and $75 to top three overall male & female runners in ½ Marathon -medals to all ½ Marathon finishers. -masters awards to top 2 male & female finishers. -awards to overall top 3 male & female finishers. -medals to top 3 male & female finishers in each of 13 age groups. Age groups are: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70 & up. Wheelchair athletes compete in the ½ marathon for electronic timing.

It’sRaceTime Inc. is providing chip timing and instant electronic results for the half marathon.