The Sentinel

Moody leads women's Top Ten finishers at Illinois Marathon

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.

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.

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