Overall Rating
Overall Rating (100 Reviews)
4.6
(100 Ratings)  (100 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.8
SCENERY
4.5
PRODUCTION
4.6
SWAG
4.4
The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon, a USATF certified course, is held annually on the fourth Sunday in September and captures the essence of our nation’s heartland with its consistent connection to the Mississippi River, amazing views, and Midwest charm. The race features one of the finest, most scenic river … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Sep 22):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  80  68  69  79  75
L (°F)  64  49  53  50  65
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Recent reviews

    dawgw00d REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Course was flat with a great start temp. Portions of the race were scenic running over the bridges and through the downtown area with some of the race in some … MORE

    Course was flat with a great start temp. Portions of the race were scenic running over the bridges and through the downtown area with some of the race in some not-so-scenic areas. Nice medal and super soft shirt.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    kbuck2 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Laid-back but well-organized. Enjoyed running through all four cities and the course made it easy for spectators to see runners multiple times along the course. Overall crowd support ebbed and … MORE

    Laid-back but well-organized. Enjoyed running through all four cities and the course made it easy for spectators to see runners multiple times along the course. Overall crowd support ebbed and flowed. Great crowds near aid stations and relay exchanges, but pretty lonely stretches on the trail along the river and VERY lonely on Arsenal Island the last 10K other than aid stations. Great crowd along final .2 to finish and finish area was excellent, though does get crowded with half marathon and marathon relay participants as well. Loved seeing the race director near 26-mile marker high-fiving and encouraging every runner as they passed.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    aubreynetzel REPEAT RUNNER '23

    I've run this race before and really enjoy it, but some room for improvement. Pro's: Generous cutoff (7 hours), interesting course with the bridges and two states covered, pacers, encouraging … MORE

    I’ve run this race before and really enjoy it, but some room for improvement.
    Pro’s: Generous cutoff (7 hours), interesting course with the bridges and two states covered, pacers, encouraging atmosphere, and free race photos.
    Con’s: With the generous cutoff not all runners are fully supported as the finish line food and music were tore down quite a bit prior.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    Daniel_Pfeiffer FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was my first half marathon and I could not imagine a better race. Everything about it was delightful and was easily a highlight of my year. I will be … MORE

    This was my first half marathon and I could not imagine a better race. Everything about it was delightful and was easily a highlight of my year. I will be signing up against next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    bshawgo1 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is one of my favorite Half Marathons because the course takes you over bridges through several towns. Even with mile 2 going up the bridge you eventually go back … MORE

    This is one of my favorite Half Marathons because the course takes you over bridges through several towns. Even with mile 2 going up the bridge you eventually go back down and there are some rollers on this one. Beautiful run along the Mississippi River. Course support is another positive to the race. If you’re into lifting weights they also offer the Pump n Run which you can complete at the Expo.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    tasha.l.moon FIRST-TIMER '23

    This race was by far the most scenic I have every seen. Starting in the "city", it doesn't stay there long. You quickly make your way onto a riverfront trail, … MORE

    This race was by far the most scenic I have every seen. Starting in the “city”, it doesn’t stay there long. You quickly make your way onto a riverfront trail, several park areas, and even Rock island armory. The bridges are steep, but other than that, the course is flat. Do wish there were more aid stations, but still not too far without water or gatorade.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    berntgena FIRST-TIMER '23

    The QC Marathon is a fantastic event! My wife and I ran this for the first time this year, and we are so bummed we didn't do it sooner. The … MORE

    The QC Marathon is a fantastic event! My wife and I ran this for the first time this year, and we are so bummed we didn’t do it sooner. The course is not too challenging, as it is primarily flat — so this will helps those who are not avid runners. But the best part is the scenery and lack of repeating stretches. Many half marathons you run half of it one direction, and then turn around and repeat that stretch to complete the distance. With the QC Marathon, it’s a giant circle, so once you pass by a section, you do not come back to it. That means 13.1 miles of new views! Plus you run across 3 or 4 bridges, two states, four cities, and run onto a government/military island installation (Rock Island Arsenal) — how cool is that! If I could give the race a 6 out of 5 I would, but I suppose a 5 out of 5 is good too. Don’t regret it another year, sign up!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    TravelerTravis REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The Quad Cities Marathon is a stellar race with high production values, great volunteers, a superb race director, and a FUN beautiful course! They also have some great volunteers for … MORE

    The Quad Cities Marathon is a stellar race with high production values, great volunteers, a superb race director, and a FUN beautiful course! They also have some great volunteers for pace groups, and I ran with the 3:40 group, and I couldn’t have done it without the pacer. The course goes across THREE bridges over the Mississippi River and has some great views along the river as well. There are a few minor hills, but mostly fast and flat, so it’s a great one for a PR. Last year I ran the half, this year was my first road marathon and I loved it!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is our 7th year. Great race, swag, and after party. We are excited to come back next year to do the 10k race. Plenty of parking. Love the race … MORE

    This is our 7th year. Great race, swag, and after party. We are excited to come back next year to do the 10k race. Plenty of parking. Love the race director at the end of the race giving high fives.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Taylor Canales
    oliviac247 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Fun filled week of events leading up to the race. Beautiful scenery and entertaining course. The course definitely provides you with a a chance to PR or BQ. The after … MORE

    Fun filled week of events leading up to the race. Beautiful scenery and entertaining course. The course definitely provides you with a a chance to PR or BQ. The after party is awesome!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    andrewj71 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    A well organized race that has great community support as you run through two states and four cities, as well as the historic Arsenal Island! Run along and cross over … MORE

    A well organized race that has great community support as you run through two states and four cities, as well as the historic Arsenal Island! Run along and cross over the Mighty Mississippi river more than once on different bridges!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    ChristinaC REPEAT RUNNER '23

    I noticed there weren't many porta potties along the route! No one wants to wait too long when it's time to go!!!!! I made to the end but had to … MORE

    I noticed there weren’t many porta potties along the route! No one wants to wait too long when it’s time to go!!!!! I made to the end but had to maneuver through the crowd after passing the finish line to get to the bathroom.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    ttwalter REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Great course would recommend it. Race is ran very well with the director and all the volunteers great time of year the weather is usually good. Nice shirts, expo is … MORE

    Great course would recommend it. Race is ran very well with the director and all the volunteers great time of year the weather is usually good. Nice shirts, expo is good too

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    justincapps FIRST-TIMER '23

    I'm very glad I chose this race to be my first marathon. The production was top notch, which takes a lot of potential stress and agitation out of the picture. … MORE

    I’m very glad I chose this race to be my first marathon. The production was top notch, which takes a lot of potential stress and agitation out of the picture. The scenery was great and all of the volunteers were super nice. I’ll definitely be back.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    angiebishop25 FIRST-TIMER '23

    The Quad Cities half course was beautiful, and fairly flat except for the bridges. Incredible scenery crossing the Mississippi River and running along it, and so cool to say you … MORE

    The Quad Cities half course was beautiful, and fairly flat except for the bridges. Incredible scenery crossing the Mississippi River and running along it, and so cool to say you ran in two states and four cities. There were a lot of very well-organized aid stations, almost all with water and Gatorade. There were two stations with GU along the half marathon route, and a station with fruit and candy. Race photographers captured some awesome pictures, nice expo, cannon blast at the start, and one awesome stretch to finish were some other highlights. I am definitely considering this for my first ever full marathon next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    alizabethn FIRST-TIMER '23

    The course was beautiful, the accommodations were great and I will definitely be participating again next year! The environment is one that can't be described unless you are there! I … MORE

    The course was beautiful, the accommodations were great and I will definitely be participating again next year! The environment is one that can’t be described unless you are there! I love that this race has a distance for every type of runner so everyone can be as involved as they want to be.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    druvarna REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Only time you see a race director at finish congratulating runners! Cross 2 major bridges across Mississippi River! Races that fir everyone’ s needs! MORE

    Only time you see a race director at finish congratulating runners! Cross 2 major bridges across Mississippi River! Races that fir everyone’ s needs!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    thecolonel REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Bring a water pack! It’s a pretty scenic race. They could use more porta potties. It’s flat, except for the bridges. It was nice to stay downtown and be close … MORE

    Bring a water pack! It’s a pretty scenic race. They could use more porta potties. It’s flat, except for the bridges. It was nice to stay downtown and be close to the expo and start and finish line.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    margbuss REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The Quad Cities Marathon 2023 was an exceptional event for a memorable race weekend: great expo, beautiful course, and best prerace events: **1. The Great Expo:** The race weekend kicked … MORE

    The Quad Cities Marathon 2023 was an exceptional event for a memorable race weekend: great expo, beautiful course, and best prerace events:

    **1. The Great Expo:**
    The race weekend kicked off with the Quad Cities Marathon Expo, and it did not disappoint. The expo featured a wide array of exhibitors, showcasing the latest in running gear, nutrition, and fitness technology. The friendly atmosphere made packet pickup easy and set a positive tone for the entire event.

    **2. The Beautiful Course:**
    The Quad Cities Marathon course is renowned for its scenic beauty, and the 2023 edition certainly lived up to its reputation: picturesque views along the Mississippi River, crossing it multiple times via stunning bridges that added a unique challenge to the race. Spectators lined the route, offering enthusiastic support and cheers that energized. The race’s flat and fast layout made it a great choice.

    **3. Best Prerace Events:**
    Leading up to the main race day, the Quad Cities Marathon offered a range of prerace events that added to the excitement of the weekend including yoga and the Fleet Feet shakeout run.

    – **Happy Joe’s Kids’ Fun Run**: The event organizers didn’t forget about the youngest runners. The Kids’ Fun Run was a delightful spectacle as children of all ages took to the streets with enthusiasm, showing that the love of running transcends generations.

    Overall, the Quad Cities Marathon 2023 was a resounding success, offering a blend of fitness, fun, and community spirit. Whether you were a seasoned marathoner or a first-time racer, this event had something to offer, and it left us with lasting memories of a well-organized race in a beautiful setting. If you’re considering your next race, the Quad Cities Marathon should definitely be on your list.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    cswan395 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    I absolutely LOVE this race! I have done the full and half distances multiple times and love them both. This race is unique and charming---a small town race with a … MORE

    I absolutely LOVE this race! I have done the full and half distances multiple times and love them both. This race is unique and charming—a small town race with a big town feel! Crowd support is amazing. A high five from the race director at the finish line makes it extra special. I am a slow runner, but this race always makes me feel like I’m a champion!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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  1. Races
  2. Quad Cities Marathon & Half Marathon