Jack Levengard's Staging Area

This was my 17th marathon. Since I had run the Twin Cities Marathon, I decided it was time to run the Quad Cities Marathon. Nice small towns with very enthusiastic crowds. I have never run a race with so few marathoners (only 370 runners. it’s their half that draws many more runners), but you would never know it by the preparation, volunteers and whole atmosphere. Some beautiful scenery along the Mississippi. You also run by a military cemetery, which is always moving. Course is generally flat. The small hills are toward the first half of the race. One huge warning: there is NO shade. Even though I drank at every water stop (which there were ample) and took nutrition every 4-5 miles, it turned out that wasn’t enough for me. It was warm and the sun was shinning. I cramped up around mile 20 and found I was very dehydrated by the end of the race. Lastly, be prepared to bring your own stuff to refuel after the race. They have a very limited post-race event. By the time I finished (at under 4 1/2 hrs), I only saw some potato chips, water and soda. I heard there might have been other food, which means they ran out early – very bad form. I desperately needed some electrolytes so I didn’t stay long. Went back to my hotel where, from experience, I stash drinks and food to refuel. Would I run it again? Not sure. The actual race was well run and my getting dehydrated was not their fault. I just wish there was something more than water and chips at the finish for the runners.

The Marines know how to run a race. I have run 8 MCMs and 1 virtual (2020). There is a lot to like. Very enthusiastic crowds. Fantastic scenery. Run past national monuments. The Blue Mile where you run past the pictures of fallen soldiers is very moving. I would highly recommend this race to anyone. It is a great first-timers event.