Skip Stolley monitored the Illinois track and field scene even when he lived in California for two-plus decades, charting top high school athletes and maintaining contact with fellow coaches.

Upon returning to his home state a few years ago, Stolley firmly repositioned his fingers on the pulse. This week, the Elburn resident gladly took action to influence the heartbeat of the sport he long has held dear.

The chairman of USA Track and Field’s Illinois Long Distance Running Committee, Stolley has tabbed the Advocate Dreyer Fox Valley Marathon as official marathon host in the new, nine-part Illinois USATF Road Championship Series. Any USATF member entered in the Sept. 22 race will be eligible for gold, silver and bronze medals in 26 separate men’s and women’s age groups.