This is a great race. I looked at all of the fall Midwest marathons this year, and I made a wise choice with this marathon. Joe Moreno lives to support his runners, and it shows in the race. Every need is thought of in advance - ice, Vaseline, fruit, water, Gatorade. Course is great - the early hill in mile 2-3 is very gradual, and the rest is scenic. There are 40 separate entertainment zones, but some are better than others. The Arsenal Island ones around the golf course are probably weakest. The weather was great this year. Overall, it is simply one of the best marathons.

Suggestions for improvements:
* Slight course change. The marathon course on Arsenal Island is too long. Shorten it, and extend Rock Island segment to Augustana (perhaps a lap around the stadium ala Des Moines).
* The first suggestion should also help the second area for improvements. While volunteer support is AWESOME (1:3 ratio), spectators are not as prevalent. It was pretty sparse at times.

I registered for this around Christmas '07 and decided it would be a good reward for getting in shape. It ended up being a punishment for not getting in shape.
It was great for someone as slow as me to have fully stocked aid stations, enthusiastic fans (sparse but great), and even some happy joe's left for me. I was disappointed at not receiving a medal, and at most races, the promise to send one in the mail would ring hollow. However, Joe Moreno is a legend for a reason, and I have no doubt I'll receive it in the mail. Great job, Joe! When are you running for office?

2008 was my first QC Marathon. We drove about 2-1/2 hours from Chicagoland and it was definitely worth the trip. The course was great, except for the last 6.2 miles. They really should do that at the beginning, as it was physically and mentally tough. Great spectator support through most of the race, very enthusiastic. The hills weren't bad; there was one at around mile 2, and the rest were bridge ramps that were manageable. Running the island was better than I imagined, and the bridges offered some scenic views. This is a very organized race for such a small field. Great water stops and goodies along the way. Great post-race party, free beer, pizza, hot dogs.... I would recommend this race for beginners and pros alike. A big thank you to all of the wonderful spectators and volunteers.

Quad Cities was my 3rd and it was great! I loved running by the river. The hill was early, yet there were other inclines with the bridges. Nothing too bad, yet not totally flat. I didn't know what to expect on Arsenal Island. It was very pretty and running on the bike path with all the sailboats out - what a treat! Got a PR on this course and there was plenty of encouragement from spectators, officials and other runners. I was worried about the headphone thing but it was not enforced. Two days after the marathon, I received the Quad Cities newspaper in the mail and it had my name and time in it. Classy! Would love to run it again.

First, let me say that this is a good way to check Illinois off your 50-state quest. It's not crowded and expensive like Chicago, the logistics are great (hotel, expo, race start and finish are all right there, with a small airport nearby), and the course is OK. The Radisson was awesome, as far as flexibility in late checkout and accommodations (pre-race hot breakfast, even!). I also liked the late September date, although that meant it was a little warm. The people were friendly, and everyone was very helpful. And any race with beer at the end is worth going to! However, I use these write-ups to be aware of any challenges. So not to be negative, but there are some areas for improvement or just things to be prepared for.

First, it was a problem that I registered with my own ChampionChip. After bouncing back and forth between the information booth and the "chip check guy," I ended up just using theirs (and having to stand at the finish to get it cut off... I hate that... that's why I bought my own chip!).

Second, they really should send out the bib numbers via e-mail prior to the race. One of my "pet peeves" is having to crowd around a board with little print and lots of people to find my name and bib number (so I can pick up my packet).

The long-sleeved technical shirt was impressive, but HUGE! We're talking my XXL husband can wear my size medium shirt comfortably! When I asked if I could exchange it for a small or even extra small, they said they were all out because that's what everyone had done earlier. Very disappointing, as I ended up giving it away since I literally swam in it.

They started EVERYONE at the same time and same place. Not just a marathon and half marathon, but a 5K and 1-mile "fun run" too. It was managed pretty well, but it just seemed to me that they could get the marathon and half off first, then do the smaller races.

About a mile into the race you start across your first bridge. One lane is blocked off for runners, but with that many people (both marathoners and half marathoners at that point) it was VERY crowded and resulted in people jockeying outside of cones (into traffic) to get around congestion.

Be prepared for some LONG, BORING stretches! I thought with the bridges and four cities, plus "arsenal island," there would be some enough variety to help the miles pass. But, trust me, expect miles at a time (that you think are never going to end) of the same scenery.

The weather was cooler this year than last year (so I hear), but it was still in the mid 70's with 85% humidity for most of the race. The sky was overcast, so that helped, but the high humidity just sapped my energy. The water stations were adequate and they also had sponges, but some ice at them also would have been helpful. I was prepared for the "out and back" on the last 6 miles, and even so, I ended up walking that section more than usual because the heat and humidity had gotten to me.

Finally the finisher's medal is small, but it has a nice, raised graphic (no colors and no year). The awards, though, are pretty impressive and they have them sitting out before the race to motivate you. I was able to win an age-group second place, and got a nice, large, engraved wooden plaque! However, the awards ceremony was scheduled to start at 12:15 and at 12:45 the band was still playing. I went up and asked if I could pick mine up, as I had a plane to catch (which they let me do). I don't know what the delay in starting the awards ceremony was.

Bottom line, the logistics allow for an easy in-and-out, with race morning packet pick-up if you need it. It has many fewer challenges than, say, Chicago, but it's also just your basic "put in 26.2 miles" type of race.

This was my 17th marathon overall, and it is among the top 5 favorite races I've run. Terrific organization, very enjoyable course, and several nice touches that you don't find at bigger races. I like to scout the course the day before, and they had a bus tour of the course, which really helped because I would not have been able to drive through Arsenal Island myself. The expo and packet pickup lasted only one day, but that still allowed enough time to see the expo and to get everything done.

The course is not quite "flat and fast," but the hills they have are not killers, and they come early. Even better, the last 10K are like a pool table.

If you are looking for a really good, mid-sized, fall marathon, this is the one to run. For 50-Staters you could count this as either Illinois or Iowa.
Even the "Weather Director" did a great job this year.

The 2008 edition was my second QC Marathon. The course is flat and fast. The fan support is great, with multiple bands and organizations encouraging the runners. If you are looking for a PR or to qualify for Boston, I recommend this course. One small hill at mile 2 and that is it. 2008 was great! Thanks to all of the volunteers and organizers. You truly did a great job!

I ran the QC Half Marathon. Overall, it was a nice race, but it did not live up to my expectations after hearing rave reviews from other runners and reading this board. Maybe the gloomy weather (cool, but very humid and overcast) impacted my mood and experience. :)

I loved running along the river and on RI Arsenal Island. On the downside, I was told the course was flat, but there were actually quite a few hills worth noting. I also did not like that there wasn't Gatorade at every fluid stop; there were some points where I really could have used it! I usually rely on both being available because I prefer to alternate water/Gatorade. And there was no sports drink available after the race, which I found to be somewhat unbelievable. This is probably more of an organization issue. They did have a good selection of post-race food though, as well as chiropractic care. The fans, however, were great; and while there were a few miles that did not have much support from them, I didn't really notice because what they lacked in quantity they made up in quality.

So like I said, it was a good run, but it didn't stand out for me, so I'm not sure if I would do this one again.

Initially did not like expo because it felt crowded, but after reluctantly taking part in the health check and finding out my numbers were so good, I was happy! Good massage, great running jewelry from Laura, dinner outside, blessing by runner, Father Mike and easy parking made for a great start.
Course was well marked and well stocked. Near end a relay runner helped some of us slow folks quite a lot by staying with us. Weather was HOT by this time. Coming off the island and having to continue opposite the finish line was a downer and on pavement. Variety would have been great!
Race director was at end of race congratulating runners and helping the first place winners modify travel arrangements. Though busy, all graciously consented and posed for pictures with me. Race director also ensured clock would stay up until all runners had crossed finished line even though it was past 6 hr. limit. Thanks much! I qualified for age award and have been assured that it's in the mail! The volunteers also ensured I had food and drink. This is what I call taking care of you before, during and after a race. Well done. Well done indeed. Would definitely recommend it for fast runners and even more so for slow ones like me!

An awesome experience all around. Going from Chicago to this was quite a jump, but I loved every bit of it. I didn't think it would be possible to top Chicago ('05, happy not to be there in '07), but the QCM has given me a newfound respect for small-scale races. No jostling for position, constant checking over your shoulder, jumping over heels, or inconsistent splits here. Just comfortable running like all your long training runs.
I really enjoyed the course with spectacular views of the Mississippi, and running through the 4 cities. Miles were well marked with balloons. The 'hill' is early and easily manageable without special training, and there is a long downhill afterward to make up for it anyway. Water/Gatorade Endurance stations are abundant and well spaced, and I loved having 5 opportunities for Gu! Sponges were a nice touch too. Only negative was that the station alongside the stadium had warm liquids.
My only course criticisms are (1) the 6 miles on the island seemed a little much; I was ready to get off after 3 or 4. (2) The 6-mile out-and-back on River Drive to end the race was mentally tough, but still better than the 9 I heard of in previous years. But why not run on the bike bath along the river there instead of on the concrete road, and the same for the stretch west of the stadium? I had assumed that was the case when I previously drove the course, but was kind of disappointed during the actual run.
Race organization was phenomenal. Driving/Parking was a non-issue; the I-wireless center is a half-block from the start so I stayed warm and gear check-ed in my car. My hotel was an easy 15 min drive away, I'm not sure the starting line hotels are worth the price. The expo was per usual, packet pick-up was a breeze and you get a nice long sleeve tech shirt and drawstring gym bag. I was a little disappointed at the pastel-colored array of T-shirts for sale though.
Spectators were great, and actually more than I expected for a small race. Although thin in places, all fans and volunteers were really supportive and friendly including fellow runners. Special shout-out to the girls at 23.5 with the giant sign to run under and motivate me to head back to the finish! Thank you Quad Cities for a great weekend, and I hope to be back with my eyes on Boston!