| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 71 | 80 | 68 | 69 | 79 |
| L (°F) | 62 | 64 | 49 | 53 | 50 |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!!
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Nice flat race
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.
Would run again
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.
Fun Illinois Race
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.
First time, but won’t be my last
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!
Awesome logistics - beautiful course
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.
B E A Utiful!!
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.
Unique with great views!
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!
Best marathon in the area!
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!
Great race!!!
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.
Best Race to PR
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!!
Cross the Mighty Mississippi River
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!
Bright sunglasses!
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.
Great race loved the course race directo
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
Great first marathon
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.
Mississippi River views can’t be beat
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!
Great Experience!!
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.
Best everything!
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!
Good race, I would consider coming back
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.
Exceptional Event
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.
One of my favorite races!
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!