Featured Running Event of the Week - Quad Cities Half-Marathon

The Quad Cities Half-Marathon is part of a larger event which included a Marathon, a 5-person Marathon Relay, a Half-Marathon, and a 5k in the states of Illinois AND Iowa.  That's right - 2 states.

Actually, to be more precise :

2 states
4 cities
1 island
1 military installation
3 bridges (4 for full marathon)
1 interstate
1 island
1 Mississippi River

Yep, that's right - all of that.  The Marathon and Half-Marathon cross 2 of the same bridges, but the Marathon also crossed 2 different ones.  The Full and Half both covered Illinois and Iowa, and both ran in all 4 of the Quad Cities.

The races started in Moline right outside of the Mark of the Quad Cities Arena (or whatever it's called this year), and headed directly towards an interstate on-ramp - yes an on-ramp!  The runners then crossed the Mississippi River via I-74 in the right hand lane, while cars traveled in the left hand lane.  And the motorists, though slowed to a near crawl, seemed to enjoy joking with the runners and cheering them on.  Of course some just ignored the runners as well.

Then as soon as the river was crossed, runners used the interstate off-ramp.  How often can someone say they ran up and down an interstate ramp - and ON THE INTERSTATE ITSELF, while still open!!

The runners then entered Bettendorf, which had a very long uphill beginning, some neighborhood running, then a nice long downhill towards the river.  The downhill definitely made up for the uphill, anything lost on the uphill was certainly gained on the downhill.  This was a classic, "heading towards water" downhill.  At this point, runners passed a casino (no longer a riverboat casino) and headed onto a bike trail directly adjacent to the Mississippi River.

The runners then entered Davenport, on the same bike trail along the river.  Half-Marathoners reached the 1/2 way point here.  The course continued down the very scenic bike path along the Mighty Mississipp before it reached the home of the Quad Cities minor league baseball park.  And quite a park it is - right along the river, the outfield view looks out over the river.  At this point the Half-Marathoners and Full-Marathoners split.  The Full-Marathoners continue down to the next bridge and cross over into Rock Island proper for a while.  The Half-Marathoners looped back on the streets on Davenport towards an old-style bridge, with car traffic on top, and train traffic below.  This is an open-grate bridge, but the organizers did put a single lane of carpeting for those not comfortable seeing the water beneath their feet.

This is where the Half-Marathoners entered Rock Island (sorta).  Actually this is where the runners entered "Arsenal Island" an actual military arsenal on a rather large island.  The island is technically within the boundaries of Rock Island, hence, the Half-Marathoners do get credit for Rock Island, even though they did not follow the Marathoners earlier.  Both the Full and Half Marathoners met up again on this island, the Full Marathoners entering from a different bridge.  The Half Marathoners ran straight through the middle of the island, while the Full Marathoners also enjoyed a run through the golf course.

At the end of the island, is a slight incline up the next bridge, and then a very nice, fast, steep descent back into Moline.  For the Half Marathoners, this gave them a great lead into the home stretch final .1 miles to the finish line.  Nothing like a nice downhill to get ready for those finish line/home stretch photos looking fully charged!  Unfortunately for the Full Marathoners, they had to turn the other way at the bottom of the bridge for a rather lengthy out-and-back along the river.

The 5k was essentially a scenic out-and-back wholly in Moline along the river.  All runners started at the exact same time and ran the first few blocks together.

But there was so much more to this event!!

The day before the running events there was a rather large expo inside the arena.  There was a Kids "Micro-Marathon" and a all-ages "1 Mile Walk for the Cause".  And something very cool and unique - a GUIDED BUS TOUR of the marathon route!!!  Now, the bus couldn't go everywhere (like the bike path), but it was a pretty good representation.  The tour was narrated, and the guide pointed out split-off points, turns, water station locations, porta-potty locations, half-way markers, general guidelines, and even a little bit of local tourist information.  All free of charge.

The day of the race, there were bagpipers in two locations, people with stereos in a few locations, small bands/solos/trios including banjos, saxophones, and other instruments, DJs, and even a full size rock band - all along the route at various locations.  (I'm sure I probably forgot a few as well).  Plus people cheering all over the place, outside houses, businesses, every where.  The final stretch was amazing, as people were corralled in at the bottom of the descent cheering people on - runners could see them as they ran down the bridge.  There were refreshments before and after including water, milk, pop, hot dogs, mac & cheese, and even free beer.  There were photographers EVERYWHERE on the course - EVERYWHERE.  And there was a live band playing for at least 2 hours - maybe even 3 or 4 (they were already playing before I finished) - right at the end of the finish line area.

And the volunteers - all of them - both days - were PHENOMENAL and very polite and friendly and fun and helpful!

And the Race Director!!!  Imagine coordinating police and safety across FOUR cities, TWO states, an INTERSTATE, a railroad crossing, and an island?!?!?!?!  AMAZING!!!

This was an EVENT!!!