More than 15,000 runners participated in the 2010 Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon this past weekend, an event that drew athletes and casual runners from around the country.
Bobby Dobroski, summer camp director and marathon participant ran as a coach for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Program.
“My philosophy is: you can be happy or miserable, the distance is going to be the same either way,” Dobroski said.
Kevin Kuhns, from Peoria, Ill., started the full marathon run, but had to drop out early on because of knee problems. He cheered on runners, ringing a cowbell for nearly an hour.
“Running in these events is fun because you can find someone at about your level and keep pace with each other,” Kuhns said.
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A Triathlete and Iron Man competitor, Kuhns said his injury was “awkward,” but wanted to be there for support.
“I’m out here cheering on my uncle, who’s twice my age and still running,” Kuhns said.
Thibaud Smerko, senior in LAS, did not participate in the marathon but watched and took photos from Green Street.
“It’s pretty motivating to watch. It makes me want to run a marathon. I’m in pretty good shape, but this is really something else,” Smerko said.
He said he wanted to support his three friends running in the marathon.
“One of my friends has run a marathon before, so she knows what she’s getting into,” Smerko said at the event. “The other two haven’t, but I think they’ll be fine.”
Student Body President David Olsen was at the event to cheer on his father, who ran the half-marathon.
“I used to be able to run a half and I still enjoy running, but I don’t have much time for it these days,” Olsen said. “Last year my father talked about how great it is to be able to run and see a lot of each community at the same time.”
The large number of volunteers worked to ensure that the event ran smoothly and that everyone received water or Gatorade.
Mary Carlton, faculty member and Kinesiology Student Association advisor, led one of 15 water stations.
“We started organizing this aspect of the event last year, but we didn’t contact the student team (of water distributors) until March,” Carlton said. “The students don’t compete to see who can hand out the most cups or anything. You have to just let the runner come to you.”
