Approximately 90 days from now, Illinois State University will celebrate Homecoming for the 90th year.
Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to “Roll Out the Red” and celebrate Homecoming at Illinois State with a parade, football, tailgating, a 5K run and a host of other events. Online registration is already open for several events including the Town & Gown 5K run, Roll Out the Red Gala and the Great Urban Race.
The 10th Annual Illinois State University and Town of Normal Town & Gown 5K run is set for 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 at the corner of College and University. Online registration is open until 4 p.m. on Oct. 13. Participants may register at www.IllinoisStateHomecoming.com. The registration fee is $20, but increases to $25 on Oct. 13.
This year’s formal Homecoming event, the Roll Out the Red Gala, is in celebration of Homecoming and the 40th anniversary of the College of Fine Arts at Illinois State. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16 at the new Marriott Bloomington-Normal Hotel & Conference Center. In addition to dinner and cocktails, the gala will feature an interactive showcase of performances by students, alumni and faculty of the College of Fine Arts. Tickets cost $75 per person. Reservations are required by Friday, Sept. 24 and may be made at www.IllinoisStateHomecoming.com or by calling (309) 438-2586.
The Great Urban Race returns for a second year, closing out Homecoming week activities at noon on Sunday, Oct. 17 at Fat Jack’s in downtown Bloomington. Participants in this event will use clues to find checkpoints, complete challenges, and navigate the streets of downtown Bloomington, uptown Normal, and the Illinois State campus. Illinois State has been the only college to be selected as a host location for the Great Urban Race for the past two years. Proceeds from each team’s registration will benefit the Alumni Association Scholarship which provides financial assistance to outstanding students at Illinois State. Registration is open and available at www.IllinoisStateHomecoming.com.
For additional information and a full schedule of this year’s Homecoming events, visit www.IllinoisStateHomecoming.com.
