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The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon is a USATF-certified and Boston Qualifier race that traverses four cities, two states, and three bridges along the Mississippi River.
Course Highlights
The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon offers a uniquely scenic and diverse course that truly lives up to its “Run the River” tagline. As a USATF-certified route and a sanctioned Boston Qualifier, the course is renowned for being exceptionally flat and fast, making it a premier destination for runners aiming for personal bests or qualification times. The journey is a grand tour of the Mississippi River valley, elegantly themed around the numbers “5-4-3-2-1”: five races, four cities, three bridges, two states, and one island. Participants traverse the urban landscapes and riverfront trails of Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, as well as Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. A significant highlight includes a loop around Arsenal Island, providing a rare opportunity to run through a historic military installation. The constant proximity to the water ensures that runners are treated to sweeping river vistas and cool breezes for much of the distance.
Race Details
The marathon weekend is a comprehensive celebration of fitness and community, primarily hosted at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark and the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline. The main events—the full marathon, half marathon, and five-person marathon relay—commence at 07:00 on Sunday, while the 5K and 10K races follow shortly at 07:15. Saturday serves as a “warm-up” day, featuring a Fleet Feet shakeout run, a yoga and stretching session, and the Rudy’s Tacos 1 Mile Walk/Run. The youngest athletes can participate in the Happy Joe’s Kids Micro-Marathon later that morning. All participants must visit the Active Endeavors Race Expo on Saturday for packet pickup, as there is no race-day registration or pickup. Registration perks are extensive, including a technical race shirt, a commemorative medal, a virtual event bag, and access to a lively post-race party featuring live music, food, and beverages for those of legal age.
Why Runners Love It
Runners consistently praise the Quad Cities Marathon for its seamless blend of professional organization and authentic “Midwest charm.” Since its debut in 1998, the race has grown into a cherished hometown tradition that draws thousands of participants from across the country. The event is deeply rooted in philanthropy; as a registered 501(c)(3) organization, it supports numerous local causes through its “Run for a Reason” Charity Bibs program. Notable partners include Shoes for Quad Cities Kids, which provides footwear to local youth, and the ZERO Prostate Cancer initiative. Runners appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, from the high-quality aid stations stocked with Gatorade Endurance to the sophisticated athlete tracking available through the QCM mobile app. The enthusiastic community support along the multi-city route provides a powerful boost, creating an atmosphere that is both competitive and welcoming, ensuring that many participants return year after year.
At a Glance
- Location: Moline, IL — United States
- Next Date: 2026-09-27
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K, One Mile, Kids Micro-Marathon
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.qcmarathon.org
Moline, IL 61265 United States
The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon is a USATF-certified and Boston Qualifier race that traverses four cities, two states, and three bridges along the Mississippi River.
Course Highlights
The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon offers a uniquely scenic and diverse course that truly lives up to its “Run the River” tagline. As a USATF-certified route and a sanctioned Boston Qualifier, the course is renowned for being exceptionally flat and fast, making it a premier destination for runners aiming for personal bests or qualification times. The journey is a grand tour of the Mississippi River valley, elegantly themed around the numbers “5-4-3-2-1”: five races, four cities, three bridges, two states, and one island. Participants traverse the urban landscapes and riverfront trails of Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, as well as Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. A significant highlight includes a loop around Arsenal Island, providing a rare opportunity to run through a historic military installation. The constant proximity to the water ensures that runners are treated to sweeping river vistas and cool breezes for much of the distance.
Race Details
The marathon weekend is a comprehensive celebration of fitness and community, primarily hosted at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark and the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline. The main events—the full marathon, half marathon, and five-person marathon relay—commence at 07:00 on Sunday, while the 5K and 10K races follow shortly at 07:15. Saturday serves as a “warm-up” day, featuring a Fleet Feet shakeout run, a yoga and stretching session, and the Rudy’s Tacos 1 Mile Walk/Run. The youngest athletes can participate in the Happy Joe’s Kids Micro-Marathon later that morning. All participants must visit the Active Endeavors Race Expo on Saturday for packet pickup, as there is no race-day registration or pickup. Registration perks are extensive, including a technical race shirt, a commemorative medal, a virtual event bag, and access to a lively post-race party featuring live music, food, and beverages for those of legal age.
Why Runners Love It
Runners consistently praise the Quad Cities Marathon for its seamless blend of professional organization and authentic “Midwest charm.” Since its debut in 1998, the race has grown into a cherished hometown tradition that draws thousands of participants from across the country. The event is deeply rooted in philanthropy; as a registered 501(c)(3) organization, it supports numerous local causes through its “Run for a Reason” Charity Bibs program. Notable partners include Shoes for Quad Cities Kids, which provides footwear to local youth, and the ZERO Prostate Cancer initiative. Runners appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, from the high-quality aid stations stocked with Gatorade Endurance to the sophisticated athlete tracking available through the QCM mobile app. The enthusiastic community support along the multi-city route provides a powerful boost, creating an atmosphere that is both competitive and welcoming, ensuring that many participants return year after year.
At a Glance
- Location: Moline, IL — United States
- Next Date: 2026-09-27
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K, One Mile, Kids Micro-Marathon
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.qcmarathon.org