Quad Cities Marathon & Half Marathon
Moline, IL
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Miler, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
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 26):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 86 | 80 | 77 | 66 | 83 |
| L (°F) | 51 | 51 | 59 | 47 | 50 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Quad is a blast
Quad City’s races are the best the weekend is a good time with an amazing race company that is run by fellow runners. Expo is a good size with lots … MORE
Quad City’s races are the best the weekend is a good time with an amazing race company that is run by fellow runners. Expo is a good size with lots of vendors. Pick up your bib and then participate in the “pump n run”. I have run this race (different distances) each of the last 4 years and plan to keep going back. The course it self has a few hills (mile 9). And the weather can get warm this time of year.
Wonderful Half Marathon
The Quad Cities Half Marathon needs to be on everyone's to-do list. This is almost a perfect race. The only thing I would change is the weather. I know I … MORE
The Quad Cities Half Marathon needs to be on everyone’s to-do list. This is almost a perfect race. The only thing I would change is the weather. I know I know! Also the i74 bridge is the biggest elevation gain in the race but not the only bridge you cover. Train on hills! This might be “flat” on paper but if you aren’t prepared for the bridges you will feel it!
The production of this race is so well run! Everything was a breeze from packet pick-up (very small expo, but efficient), to parking race morning (get there early!), to the finish line. Very well run, very easy to navigate and get to, very easy to find pace groups, course is well marked.
The swag is great. The medal is very well designed – showed the i74 bridge over the Mississippi River, the race name/date/and colors. Perfect for the collection. The shirt was a bit small, cotton/poly blend – but I love it! Good design and I’ll take a cotton shirt over tech any day. But the real treat was the after-race party! There was a live band, walking tacos, hot dogs, beer, soda, ice cream, noodles, snacks, water, chocolate milk. Omg so much! My only recommendation is a reusable bag or something at the start of the finisher chute to hold all the things. I ended up using my hat.
The camera stations were marked! I’m not big on race photos but the course had warning signs letting you know a camera zone was coming up! I’ve never seen this at a race and greatly appreciated the head’s up so I could attempt to smile instead of grimace! And the photos are free! How amazing is that.
Do this race. Seriously. I’d honestly do it again. It’s fun, its two states, it’s a party, and a beautiful course. Stop reading and go sign up!
Great place for a race!
Nice and flat for an easy PB! Well organized and marked. Great volunteers. Easy to park. Nice selection of food and drinks at thrle after party MORE
Nice and flat for an easy PB!
Well organized and marked. Great volunteers.
Easy to park. Nice selection of food and drinks at thrle after party
Awesome Race to Run
Not only will you be presented with great crowd support along the course but the after party is next to none. I will be running this one in 2026, you … MORE
Not only will you be presented with great crowd support along the course but the after party is next to none. I will be running this one in 2026, you should too!
Great race!
Love the tour of the Quad-Cities, like river views, catching a bit of all four cities, scenic tour of government owned Rock Island Arsenal, views from the four bridges. Plenty … MORE
Love the tour of the Quad-Cities, like river views, catching a bit of all four cities, scenic tour of government owned Rock Island Arsenal, views from the four bridges. Plenty of aid and support throughout the race, no matter how fast or slow one is
Well organized event put on by runners
This is our local marathon event. We participate every year. It is consistently well run. Warm weather was anticipated this year, so the organizers added extra cooling options to help … MORE
This is our local marathon event. We participate every year. It is consistently well run. Warm weather was anticipated this year, so the organizers added extra cooling options to help runners.
Enjoyed the course
Tons of aid stations. Pretty views over bridges and along the mighty Mississippi. Last 6 miles on the Arsenal Island are pretty lonely as civilians are not allowed out there. MORE
Tons of aid stations. Pretty views over bridges and along the mighty Mississippi. Last 6 miles on the Arsenal Island are pretty lonely as civilians are not allowed out there.
Awesome race!
This race has something for everyone! Choose your distance! They have it all! Great post race party! Excellent T-shirt! And fantastic volunteers and people! MORE
This race has something for everyone! Choose your distance! They have it all! Great post race party! Excellent T-shirt! And fantastic volunteers and people!
Nice course, Great support
Whether you run individually or as a relay team, this is a beautiful course, great support on course with many stations, atmosphere is perfect to enjoy the run with friends. … MORE
Whether you run individually or as a relay team, this is a beautiful course, great support on course with many stations, atmosphere is perfect to enjoy the run with friends. Many Many post-race snacks, drinks, music.
A great even we come back to year after year.
Beautiful Course
This marathon was on a beautiful course and was organized well. I appreciated the increased measures to keep people cool and hydrated when the weather turned extra warm. There was … MORE
This marathon was on a beautiful course and was organized well. I appreciated the increased measures to keep people cool and hydrated when the weather turned extra warm. There was ample support throughout the race, and food at the finish line was abundant. Be sure to arrive EARLY for the start of the race. Traffic was a nightmare, and many people were late to the start. Overall, I would recommend!
Big Race Energy, Small Town Charm
This well-produced event offers scenic river views and the ability to say you ran through four cities and two states, making it a unique experience. The staff and volunteers are … MORE
This well-produced event offers scenic river views and the ability to say you ran through four cities and two states, making it a unique experience. The staff and volunteers are top-notch and plentiful along the course. While the course is marketed as flat, be aware that the ramps on the bridges you will cross do offer inclines that are best to be prepared for.
The pre-race expo is small, but good quality, with an easy packet pickup system and several photo op locations. The start/finish line is conveniently located near a few hotels, which eliminates some pre-race stress when you can simply walk mere yards to the start. The course features several entertainers and event photographers (which photos are offered free post-race!) that add a nice touch. Coming down the ramp toward the finish line offers a great end to this course, where crowd support is ample and the announcers are exceptional.
Post race offers several food and beverage options that are all available for participants at no cost, including a post-race band/party. The course also starts/ends by the John Deere Pavilion if your support system is looking for something to pass the time while anticipating your finish.
Overall, I continue to choose this race because the size is large enough to feel the excitement of a big race, but not so big that it is overwhelming. This, along with the exceptional organization, cost, and several race options, makes this an easy “yes” to participate in.
The best race committee ever!
I have ran every distance of the QC Marathon except the 10k. The half is my favorite! The course is well marked with volunteers spread out well, except on the … MORE
I have ran every distance of the QC Marathon except the 10k. The half is my favorite! The course is well marked with volunteers spread out well, except on the island. The island can get a little lonely if runners are spread out a lot. So prepare mentally for that. Otherwise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a fun, well organized race!
I had so much fun! This race was the best organized race I've seen so far - very clear signage throughout the race, bikers making sure the paths are clear … MORE
I had so much fun! This race was the best organized race I’ve seen so far – very clear signage throughout the race, bikers making sure the paths are clear and runners are safe, and a wide variety of aid stations. The scenery was lovely, especially when we were between the river and train tracks. It was amazing to see elite marathon runners as well.
Beware of the elevation at the beginning and end of the race lol.. I couldn’t find information about the course elevation beforehand. Also, I don’t think I’d come back to Quad Cities for travel other than the race. Not a whole lot to do and the infrastructure felt run down in parts.
Great course for first marathon
Overall great race! Pretty flat with a few hills here and there. Pacers are awesome! The crew putting it together had everything done really well and made sure there was … MORE
Overall great race! Pretty flat with a few hills here and there. Pacers are awesome! The crew putting it together had everything done really well and made sure there was extra water for the unexpected hot day. Would definitely run this race again!
States 9 (and 10)
What a fun, well run, scenic race! I had a great time running this race from the small expo, friendly and enthusiastic volunteers/crowd, great entertainment along the scenic route, fun … MORE
What a fun, well run, scenic race! I had a great time running this race from the small expo, friendly and enthusiastic volunteers/crowd, great entertainment along the scenic route, fun after party with plenty of food, beer and great band. Great race if you want to check Illinois and Iowa off your list!
Well run event, nice locale
Kudos to the race director and team for deciding to add aid stations in the final 5 miles due to extreme heat. Even with the extra aid the heat was … MORE
Kudos to the race director and team for deciding to add aid stations in the final 5 miles due to extreme heat. Even with the extra aid the heat was a struggle…I don’t know how I would have survived without the extra support.
The race is well-produced and everything went smoothly. If you’re looking for a race that simply executes, you’re in luck.
Expo: A basic affair, with some fun extras. There was a weightlifting thing. Not my jam, but it’s something different. The “impossible chug” challenge was entertaining. Bib pickup was easy. My daughter loved meeting the therapy dogs. Shopping was the usual fare. Accessible location, easy in-and-out.
Swag: Nothing noteworthy. T-shirts run small — consider a size up. I always get a Large and this one was snug. Got a fun poster at the expo. Nothing else given out in the swag bag. The medal was fine.
Scenery: It’s a pleasant run. Lots of miles running beside (and over) the Mississippi River, which is pretty in this stretch. Even the neighborhoods away from the water were nice to run through.
Aid stations: Probably my favorite part. In addition to the basic water/Gatorade/gel stations, there were multiple “sponge stops” where volunteers handed you cool, wet towels. Loved that. There were a couple spray stations, too. I’d rather run this weeks a few weeks later with cooler temps, but if it’s gonna be hot, these touches make a huge difference.
Porta Potties: There were moments on the course I thought they were sparse, but in fairness I don’t notice them until I need them. Seems like they had plenty pre-race.
Finish line/post-race: Announcer did a great job announcing every runner and bringing lots of energy. Even heard him sharing fun personal facts about many runners. Looked like there was plenty of food but I was so sick from heat I couldn’t eat. I saw the usual fruit/cookies/snacks tent; what appeared to be a Fritos and chili tent; a Pepsi truck; ice cream tent; beer station and more. Plenty of beer even for us slow runners and it appeared to be help yourself to as much as you want. Overall, thumbs up on post-race.
I want to give a special shoutout to the volunteer near the food tent who offered help when I was struggling with heat sickness after the finish. He stayed with my family while I recovered. Showed genuine concern and was super friendly. Didn’t catch his name, but I appreciate the care and concern.
Big Picture: This was a well done race. Nothing jumps out that’ll make it a favorite or special race for me, but that’s okay…it’s a thoughtfully run event that does everything well enough to make for a nice race day.
Holly
Seemed like the drink stations/ rear rooms were spread out alot for the half marathon and there were more signs for the marathon distances. Several half marathoners thought they missed … MORE
Seemed like the drink stations/ rear rooms were spread out alot for the half marathon and there were more signs for the marathon distances. Several half marathoners thought they missed a turn or something about half way then there was finally a distance sign for the half
Great warm up for the longer races
Great charity event for prostate cancer research. This year's event was the Illinois RRCA State Championship 1 Mile Run. Well run event with medals and food afterwards provided by race … MORE
Great charity event for prostate cancer research. This year’s event was the Illinois RRCA State Championship 1 Mile Run. Well run event with medals and food afterwards provided by race sponsor Rudy’s Taco!
Great race in the heartland
Overall a great race. Very well put together. Small-ish expo. The Pump and Run option is a fun twist. Course was overall pretty easy, but who knew there are hills … MORE
Overall a great race. Very well put together. Small-ish expo. The Pump and Run option is a fun twist. Course was overall pretty easy, but who knew there are hills in Iowa?!? Otherwise pretty flats except for the bridges. Great views of the Mississippi River. Was supposed to rain all day but it held off and the temps were good but can see how this is tough if sunny because there is almost no shade on the course. Nice after party with unlimited beer, but it was Mich Ultra so close to water. My main complaint is that there were a bunch of high school kids who were volunteers who were taking a lot of the food and getting the post-race massages who were taking away from the runners. This needs to be addressed. Overall though, it was a very nice event and a good reason to visit a part of the country I probably never would have otherwise gone to.
Great marathon!
This was a really great marathon! It was very well organized with a ton of course support. The race directors were very responsive and helpful. There also wasn’t a ton … MORE
This was a really great marathon! It was very well organized with a ton of course support. The race directors were very responsive and helpful. There also wasn’t a ton of hills. The only downside to the race is there wasn’t a ton of spectators. I would definitely run this one again.