CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Final preparations are underway for two major events in Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, including the Michael Hogue Team Mile on Thursday and the Christie Clinic Illinois 5K on Friday.

The Team Mile will begin Thursday evening at First Street outside the Grange Grove gates near Kirby Avenue. Participants are asked to arrive by 6:15 p.m., with live programming beginning at 6:45 p.m. The start line area will close at 6:30 p.m. as crews set up timing equipment and staging.

Organizers said music and announcements will be broadcast from a station van on site, with three race waves scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., 7:35 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., based on pace groups. A new start system described as “Start Without a Shot” will be used in place of an air horn.

At 7:25 p.m., Brandon T. Washington will perform the national anthem. Washington is a University of Illinois alumnus and longtime music educator in Champaign, as well as a performer with local music groups.

Following the race, participants will be directed to a postrace celebration at The City Center near the finish line.

The following evening, the Christie Clinic Illinois 5K will be held Friday with a start line on Oak Street, south of St. Mary’s Road. Participants are asked to arrive by 6 p.m., with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The 5K will feature eight total waves, beginning with elite runners at 7:30 p.m., followed by staggered pace groups. Officials said only the first wave will use the “Start Without a Shot” audio cue, while subsequent waves will begin with countdown timing.

The national anthem will be performed at 7:20 p.m. by Toast of Champaign, an all-female a cappella group celebrating more than 70 years in the community.

Special recognition will be given to Girls on the Run participants, Buddy runners, stroller participants, and Team Noah members.