Greta Kumskis placed 23rd among women and 7th in her age group at the Illinois Marathon, capping a strong race day performance in Champaign-Urbana.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Running down Logan Street in Champaign between the 14th and 15th mile, marathoner Greta Kumskis looks over at cheering spectators. She finished 7th in her age group in this year's race.
CHAMPAIGN - Greta Kumskis made her day at the Illinois Marathon count on a chilly Saturday morning in Champaign-Urbana. The 24-year-old from Iowa City, Iowa, powered through the 26.2-mile course to finish 7th in the women’s 20-24 division, clocking a 3:23:28. Kumskis placed 23rd among 268 female competitors and 170th out of 895 total marathon finishers, a strong showing in a field packed with experienced racers.
Kumskis started conservatively, covering her first mile in 8:05 before quickening her pace to a steady 7:41 per mile once the pack began to thin. She hit the 10K mark at 8:21 a.m. and crossed the halfway split at 1:41:24. Staying composed through the back half, she finished just behind Rachel Pfeifer (21st, 3:21:54) and Allison Kroeter (22nd, 3:22:28), while holding off Sarah Bass (24th, 3:24:11) and Paige Vanetten (25th, 3:24:35). Kumskis crossed the Memorial Stadium finish line at 10:56 a.m., averaging 7:46 per mile.
On a day that began with cool winds and ended under clearing skies, Kumskis and almost 900 other finishers proved they could handle whatever race day brought.
Tera Moody led the women’s field from start to finish, claiming the overall title with a 2:47:21 finish and a dominant performance in the 40-44 division. Moody was 20th overall among all marathoners, male or female.
Jessica Rockafellow of Palatine, Illinois, was the runner-up, posting a 2:50:11 to win the 30-34 age division and finish 27th overall. Rounding out the top three was Alicia Hudelson from Missoula, Montana, whose 2:58:48 effort secured second in the women’s 40-44 division and 50th place overall.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kumskis eyes the course ahead after finishing the first four miles of her race on Saturday.
Jan Struhar crushed the 30-34 division and cracked the Top 10 overall at the Illinois Marathon, clocking 2:40:31. Meanwhile, Champaign’s own Jaime Marcos dominated the field with a repeat victory in 2:22:23.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Jan Struhar runs at the front of a mini-pack with Champaign's Josh Hinds and Springfield's Jeremie Bokata after passing the four mile mark on the Illinois Marathon course. Hinds finished first in the men's 35-39 division, 26th overall at 2:48:47. Bokata went on to finish 63rd overall 18th in men's 20-24 division, crossing the finish at 3:02:18.
CHAMPAIGN - Jan Struhar made sure his trip to Champaign was worth it. Racing under overcast skies and cool mid-50s temperatures, the DWRunning athlete took control of his race early and held strong to the finish, claiming first place in the Men's 30-34 age division at Saturday’s Illinois Marathon. Struhar’s time of 2:40:31 not only locked up the divisional win among 83 runners, but also earned him 10th place overall in the men’s division and 10th place across the entire marathon field.
Struhar’s splits showed early consistency, passing the 10K mark at 37:42 and reaching the halfway point (13.1 miles) at 1:19:47. Down the stretch, he fended off Samuel Fiedorek, who clocked 2:41:03 to finish 11th, and Haran Dunderdale, who came through in 2:42:03 for 12th. Struhar’s effort capped a strong day for Chicago’s DWRunning team, coached by longtime veteran Dave Walters, who’s been developing marathoners for decades.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Shedding Bokata somewhere after the 13th mile, Struhar runs solo uphill on Logan Street in Champaign near the 14-1/2 mile mark with Hinds (not pictured) still nearby.
Up front, it was all Jaime Marcos. The 26-year-old from Champaign defended his crown in style, slicing over seven minutes off his 2024 winning time to cross first in 2:22:23, running a blistering 5:26-per-mile pace. Marcos separated early and never looked back, leading at halfway in 1:10:59 and putting daylight between himself and the rest of the field.
Behind him, Martin O’Connell of Madison, Wisconsin, locked down second place in 2:26:04, four minutes adrift of Marcos. Just five seconds later, Caleb Kerr of Zionsville, Indiana, grabbed third with a 2:26:09 finish. The trio broke away from the pack early and never relinquished their medal positions, each benefiting from the flat, fast course winding through the three cities that make up the course.
A strong early push propelled Jaime Marcos to his second straight Illinois Marathon victory, finishing over three minutes ahead of the field. Here's a look at the top ten finishers.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Finishing the fourth mile, Martin O'Connell, Jonnathan Fernandez, Caleb Kerr, and Jaime Marcos run as the lead pack down Washington Street in Urbana. All five runners held on to finish in the top five at the 2025 Illinois Marathon.
CHAMPAIGN - The morning started under heavy clouds, the air crisp with a northwest breeze sweeping across the University of Illinois campus. Runners gathered near the State Farm Center bundled against the chill, puddles from the overnight rain glistening under gray skies. For Jaime Marcos, though, there was little doubt about the task ahead.
A year after claiming his first Illinois Marathon title, Marcos returned Saturday with a mission: defend the crown and leave no doubt. He delivered in dominant fashion, crossing the finish line inside Memorial Stadium in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 23 seconds — more than seven minutes faster than his 2024 winning time.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Jon Kang runs up the gentle incline on Logan Street in Champaign on his way to a 2:37:31 finish. Hailing from Des Plaines, he finished eighth overall and third in his division.
The Champaign resident of just a year, established his command of the race early, covering the halfway point in 1:10:59, a full two and a half minutes ahead of his pace last spring. By the time the sun finally broke through the clouds an hour into the race, bringing a welcome burst of warmth to the thousands of fans lining the streets of Champaign, Savoy, and Urbana, Marcos was firmly in control.
Martin O’Connell of Madison, Wisconsin, finished second in 2:26:04, while Caleb Kerr of Zionsville, Indiana, secured third just five seconds later at 2:26:09. Both kept tight pace over the flat, fast course but were unable to close the early gap Marcos had built.
Chicago’s Jonnathan Fernandez, 25, claimed fourth place at 2:30:34 — a near-repeat of his strong 2024 performance, where he finished third overall in 2:30:47.
Bailey Roybal, a 21-year-old from Waverly, Iowa, clocked 2:33:04 to round out the top five.
Among the notable returners, Trevor Giampa of Lisle, Illinois, improved on his 2024 finish. The 23-year-old finished sixth Saturday in 2:33:57, trimming nearly six minutes off last year’s 2:39:51 time when he placed seventh.
Brian Martin of Wheaton (2:35:50), Jon Kang of Des Plaines (2:37:31), Lucas Lacambra of Urbana (2:40:30), and Jan Strubar of Chicago (2:40:31) completed the top ten, each navigating the slick early conditions before the course dried under the afternoon sun.
Brian Martin runs with a leading pack during the first four miles of his race at the 2025 Illinois Marathon. The forty-six year-old runner from Wheaton finished first in his age division in this year's race.
Heavy clouds loomed low over the University of Illinois campus Saturday morning, holding onto the remnants of an overnight rain that left puddles scattered along the streets of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. A northwest breeze swept across the starting line near the State Farm Center, where runners gathered in the cold gray light, adjusting their race bibs and glancing nervously at the wet pavement underfoot.
For Brian Martin, none of it mattered.
At 46, the Wheaton native was no stranger to the unpredictable moods of Midwest springtime. Experience taught him that the weather would shift — and so would the race. All that mattered was finding a rhythm and holding onto it.
By the time the starting horn sounded, Martin had already settled into the mental space that would carry him through 26.2 miles. Patiently, he carved his way through the early packs, mindful of the slick spots left behind by the rain, attentive to the gusts sweeping off the open stretches of campus.
It took him 1:16:34 to reach the halfway point — a strong, measured split — and as the morning wore on, something changed overhead. Almost an hour into the race, the gray ceiling finally cracked, and golden light poured down on the course. The puddles began to dry. The cheers along the sidelines grew louder, as spectators shed jackets and raised signs higher.
Martin, locked into a 5:57 mile pace, found another gear.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Martin smiles as he approaches a group of cheering race volunteers during his run.
Through the winding neighborhoods, past the familiar landmarks of campus, and out into the edges of Savoy, he kept his focus forward. Every stride brought him closer not just to the finish line but to a quietly outstanding achievement.
At 2:35:50, Martin crossed onto the 50-yard line inside Memorial Stadium, arms raised slightly in quiet triumph. His performance wasn’t just strong; it was among the very best of the day. Seventh overall out of 894 runners. Seventh among 624 male athletes. First — emphatically — in the men's 45-49 age division, a race within the race.
There were no fireworks at the finish, no extravagant celebrations. Just the satisfaction of a job well done, earned mile after mile, step after step, in a race that tested every runner’s patience early and rewarded resilience late.
The Illinois Marathon has built its reputation on moments like these — not just the victories, but the steady triumphs along the way. Flat, fast, friendly. Scenic where it counts. Midwest hospitality with a runner’s edge. On Saturday, Brian Martin became part of that tradition, conquering cold, wind, and miles to deliver one of the most impressive performances on a course built for those willing to embrace the journey.
Tera Moody rises to the top out of a field of 268 women long distance specialist at the Illinois Marathon with a remarkable finish. Here's a look at the top ten female finishers and their performances.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Hannah Aguirre, Alicia Hudelson, and Stephanie Runyon-Thomas emerge from the underpass on Logan Street in Champaign after running the first 14-1/2 miles of the Illinois Marathon.
CHAMPAIGN – Tera Moody of Bargersville, IN, led the way in the women’s race at today’s Illinois Marathon, crossing the finish line in 02:47:21. With an impressive pace of 06:23 per mile, Moody not only claimed the overall women’s title but also won the women’s 40-44 age group. Her dominant performance placed her 20th overall out of 894 runners, further establishing her as a top-tier marathoner.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Tera Moody focuses on the road ahead as she run down Washington Street in Urbana on her was to the 2025 Women's title.
The Illinois Marathon, known for its flat and fast course, offers a scenic route through Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, with runners finishing inside the iconic Memorial Stadium. The marathon has grown in prominence since its debut in 2008, becoming a favorite for runners seeking a Boston qualifier or simply a fun, fast race.
The race began in the low 50s with a chilly northwest breeze, and scattered puddles from overnight rain lined parts of the course. However, after the first hour, the sun broke through the clouds, warming spectators and providing much-needed relief for runners.
Jessica Rockafellow from Palatine, IL, finished second in 02:50:11, maintaining an average pace of 06:29 per mile. Rockafellow claimed the top spot in the women’s 30-34 age group and placed 27th overall, showing her continued strength as one of the race’s top competitors.
Alicia Hudelson of Missoula, MT, secured third place in 02:58:48, with an average pace of 06:50 per mile. Hudelson, who also finished second in the women’s 40-44 age group, has continued to impress in marathons across the country.
Stephanie Runyon-Thomas of Carmel, IN, finished fourth in 03:00:01, with a pace of 06:52 per mile. Runyon-Thomas also took second in the women’s 30-34 age group and placed 51st overall, adding to her list of top finishes at marathons around the region.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
LEFT: Becky Nussbaum runs along Washington St. in Urbana, finishing the first four miles of her race. Nussbaum averaged a 6:56 minute per mile pace. MIDDLE: Terry Moody drafts Jessica Rockafellow while running a gentle incline on their way to the turn from Logan to Neil Street. RIGHT: Mahomet's Alexis Dorsey keeps a steady stride staying focused on her race. She finished 5th in the women's division and 19th overall.
Alexis Dorsey of Mahomet, IL, finished fifth in 03:00:38, taking first place in the women’s 25-29 age group. Dorsey won the Illinois Marathon in 2024, and today’s performance secured her 53rd overall, proving her continued dominance in the local running scene.
Becky Nussbaum of Lakeville, OH, claimed sixth place in 03:01:41, continuing her strong history at the Illinois Marathon. Nussbaum finished third in the women’s division last year and placed 34th overall in 2024, solidifying her reputation as a consistent marathoner.
The top ten was rounded out by Hannah Aguirre of Champaign, IL, in seventh place with 03:04:32, Andrea Taylor from Owensboro, KY, who finished eighth in 03:09:17, Dana Mehalek from Hendersonville, TN, who claimed ninth in 03:11:47, and Ella Chambers of Chicago, IL, in tenth with a time of 03:12:01.
HOMER - The Homer Pickleball Group will host a pickleball tournament at Old Homer Park on April 26 in Homer. The tournament, co-hosted by the Homer Masonic Lodge, is a fundraiser for their community efforts.
Featuring four divisions—men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and singles for both men and women—the event kicks off with women's doubles at 11 a.m., with singles competition running from 5 to 7 p.m.
"We're excited to have this tournament mostly for the community! That's what pickleball really is - a community of people cheering on players, enjoying great games, meeting new people and making friends," says tournament organizer Mandy Garrard. "It's exciting to see everyone looking forward to a unique tournament and having it on our new courts! We want everyone to come out for a fun day at the park!"
The tournament will use a unique blind draw format to pair partners for the doubles divisions.
"This tournament is different than any other tournament in the local areas because you don't enter with a partner," Garrad explained. "We want to encourage anyone who is beginner or advanced to sign-up- you don't know who you might play with."
Based on the enthusiastic response to registration, Garrard anticipates a substantial turnout.
"We have had such an overwhelming response to sign-ups- it's been truly amazing!"
There are limited spots available for anyone who hasn't signed up. Registration closes on April 20. The entry fee is $10 for the first event and $5 for each additional division.
Proceeds from the tournament will support the Masonic Lodge, which has been active in the community since 1856, funding events such as donations to the Homer Public Library, veterans groups, scholarships, Scholastic Bowl entries, and more.
Since fall 2023, the Homer Pickleball Group has grown to 195 members.
"It has been amazing to see the group grow so quickly and to have players come to the courts for open play nights from all over as well," Garrad added. "We've had players coming from Champaign to Sidell and in between to play on our courts!"
Tournament prizes include gift cards from local businesses and keepsake awards for the top three places. Participants will receive a swag bag, and first-place winners in each division will also receive a championship button/pin and gift certificates to Casey's General Store and Happ-y Daze Shine Car Wash in Homer. Second and third-place winners will receive runner-up or third-place pins.
Food and refreshments will be provided by Charlie's Grubb & Sudds food truck of Homer.
"We hope the turnout will great!"
For more information visit the Homer Pickleball Group Facebook page.
Lane To, from Champaign, browses buttons and pins at a booth at last week's Night Market at Lincoln Square Mall. Held at the mall's southwest parking lot near Vine Street, the market offers more than two dozen booths of vendors offering chocolates, flavored popcorn, homemade household goods, and handmade art. Every Thursday until October 10, the market also hosts several food trucks and live entertainment starting at 7 pm. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
LaRisha "RiRi" Exum-Howard, owner of RiPoppedIt, finishes a sale at her booth last Thursday. RiRi creates "Bougie" flavored popcorn for special events and parties. Customers can choose unique flavors such as Cotton Candy, Lemon Pound Cake, Red Velvet and a dozen more made at her store at 2004 S. Neil St. in Champaign. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
Artist Dan Wild, from Champaign, draws a group caricature for a family. Wild, Art Director at Adams Outdoor, is a talented illustrator, graphic designer and caricaturist. At last Thursday's Night Market, he drew portraits at no charge for marketgoers who would pose for two minutes at his booth. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
Local punk rockers Pancr8s performs in their opening set last Thursday. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
Lead singer and songwriter Simona performs with Pancr8s, a local punk rock band. This week's Night Market at Lincoln Square Mall entertainment features the duo Bourema Ouedraogo and Jason Finkelman. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
Hundreds of shoppers peruse the vendor booths at last Thursday's event. Tonight market starts at 6 pm with live entertainment starting at 7 pm. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
Maria Ayala, owner of Pueblito Nature, explains the origins of her Columbian Chocolate with customers last Thursday at her booth. Pueblito chocolate is created in small batches to feature the unique taste from the different growers in rural Columbia. Ayala and her booth will be at tonight's installment of the Night Market at Lincoln Square. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
A short line of marketgoers order drinks at Keke’s Mobile Beverage Trailer. Keke's offers fresh, handsqueezed lemonade, limeade, and teas, each that can be customized to taste with a dozen different flavorings. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
A shopper closely inspects a set of handcrafted earrings from one of the many vendors last Thursday. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
A couple enjoys a quiet moment away from the music in the parking lot a few steps away from the market area. Bourema Ouedraogo and Jason Finkelman are headlining this evening's live entertainment starting at 7 pm. (Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks)
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
CHICAGO - An Illinois law professor is weighing in on what she called a "very public and open test of due process" for immigrants being deported from the United States without court hearings. Read more . . .
CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally. Read more . . .
Photo Galleries
A couple of runners found themselves in the wrong race at this year's Illinois Marathon. Over 60 photos from the race that you should see.
HOMER - The 
