Quad Cities -- Put on your running shoes and get ready for the 12th
annual Quad Cities Marathon on Sunday, September 27, 2009. The
26.2-mile course runs through two states, four cities, four bridges, and
uses existing running and biking trails along the Mississippi River.
Runners and watchers alike will be entertained by the many bands that
line the course.
The Quad Cities Marathon Course is "runner friendly" and labeled flat
and fast. The John Deere Commons area in Moline, Illinois, is the
Start/Finish Line for all the events. The Marathon begins at 7:30 a.m.
and offer prize money that will be shared between the top finishers.
The time of year and type of course provide a setting for good
qualifying times for the Boston Marathon.
There is a combination of five running/walking events including:
- Quad Cities Marathon -- USATF certified 26.2-mile course
through Moline, Bettendorf, Davenport, and Rock Island.
- KJWW Half-Marathon -- 13.1-mile course featuring same
start/finish as marathon.
- Rock Valley Physical Therapy 5-Person Marathon Relay -- same
course as marathon with distances ranging from 3.3 to 6.3 miles.
- Palmer Chiropractic 5K -- out and back course open to all ages
and abilities including runners and walkers.
- Happy Joe's Kids Micro-Marathon -- for kids of all ages offering
three distances: ¼-mile, ½-mile and 1-mile; all finishers receive
ribbons and goodie bags. This run is on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
- The Isle Mile for Prostate Cancer -- a non-competitive one-
mile walk to raise funds for awareness, education.
"We have more races to give more people the opportunity to
participate in The Quad Cities Marathon," said Joe Moreno, Race
Director. "The marathon relays and half marathon give marathoners,
who may be training for another event, a chance to train in a
competitive race. The shorter distances of the Fun Runs are great for
children who want to participate with Mom or Dad." Be sure to attend
the Happy Joe's Pasta Party on Friday night.
Runners have high praise for the course, organizers, volunteers, and
the whole experience. "I'd recommend this marathon to anyone who is
looking for a fast time and lots of personal attention!" "This race was
well organized with a great post-race set up. I've run several
marathons, but have never had this much course support. Great race!"
For more information on the Quad Cities Marathon or to register, call
309-751-9800 or visit their web site at www.qcmarathon.org. For
information on the Quad Cities or lodging, contact the Quad Cities
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-747-7800 or visit their website at
www.visitquadcities.com
The Quad Cities is located on the Mississippi River and is made up of
the riverfront cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and
Moline/East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. The area is just a 2-½
hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago, Illinois. It is easily
accessible via I-80, I-74, I-88 and several major state highways.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
