The Illinois Marathon hosted a press conference Friday morning at the Activities and Recreation Center featuring running legend Dick Beardsley, unofficial CEO of running from Runner’s World magazine Bart Yasso and famous coach GP Pearlberg.

“This is one of the best first time marathons you will see,” Beardsley said. “I expect this (marathon) to continue for many years.”

All three speakers mentioned the keys for success for any first time marathon.

“You need to have a good course, a great committee and support from the community,” Pearlberg said. “You can tell this race will develop for years to come.”