Plan Your Race Weekend in Marion, Illinois
Come for the Life;Story 5K. Stay for the experience. 👉 START PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND
Arrive + Unwind
Ease into the weekend with great food, local wine, and live music.
🥘 Seasoning Bistro – modern dining with bold seasonal flavors.
🎶 Little Nashville Cafe – enjoy live music at this singer-songwriter hot spot.
🍷 Clad & Cordon Vineyard – relax by the fire with new friends and a glass of wine.
Post-Race Brunch + Coffee
Celebrate your finish with great local coffee and brunch. Refuel, relax, and soak in that runner’s high.
☕ Crown Brew Coffee Co.
🍳 The Vault Cafe on the Square
🍵 TeaZenTea
“Show Your Bib” Specials
Local restaurants and shops love welcoming race participants! Flash your race bib for exclusive perks- a dessert special, an appetizer, or a small retail discount. It’s Marion’s way of saying welcome.
Perks May Include:
From quiet moments in nature to conversations over coffee, this weekend is about more than the race; it’s about connection.
Explore Marion
Take in the best of Southern Illinois, from local attractions, charming shops, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
🗺️ Attractions
🛍️ Local Shops
📸 Photo Ops
Take a Moment to Breathe
From peaceful trails to quiet moments by the water, Marion offers space to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the strength and stories that bring us here.
🦅 Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge
🌊 Lake of Egypt
🌿 Mandala Gardens
Photo Moments
Share your “Today I Run For” story.
Capture all of your race weekend moments and new memories.
Welcome & Hospitality
Local hotels and businesses are partnering to make your stay extra special with special welcome touches and stays designed for runners and families.
🏃🏽
Make It a Weekend
Come for the race- stay, explore, and experience everything Southern Illinois has to offer. Whether you’re running, cheering, or supporting someone you love, Marion is the perfect place to slow down, connect, and spend meaningful time together. 💙
“We came to run a 5K and ended up discovering how beautiful Southern Illinois really is, it’s the perfect place for a destination race.”



