This was my second marathon. When I first arrived, I didn't really know what to expect, my first marathon was the Grandma's in Duluth and had 10,000 people, whereas I found out this one only had about 200... big difference. I wasn't in as great of shape as my marathon in June either, since the summer weather in Iowa makes training more challenging. The weather didn't look too promising that morning, it was cold and rainy... But, this race was a wonderful suprise!

I had so much fun during the race and afterwards. The race route was beautiful, going over Aresenal Island was amazing, since the general public cannot visit this island anymore. I felt patriotic and inpired by the beautiful sights, bridges, river, and great people. It was tough around mile 21/22 when it seems like you're alone, but the runners keep you company and are encouraging, which is nice.

I wish they'd had some better munchies at the end, but at least there was some food left at the end of the race.

All in all, great hometown Iowa feel to this race and very nice volunteers. Good organization to it for the size and a positive energy that makes you keep pushing to that last mile. I'd strongly recommend this marathon for anyone who enjoys the scenic route and friendly Iowa spectators.

I've run this marathon 4 times and this year will be my fifth. It's very scenic crossing the Mississippi River over and back. The fact that it is on a Sunday morning means many people living within a four-hour commute can leave on a Saturday (not have to miss Friday at work), and still enjoy the post-race party, and make it home Sunday evening.

This was my first marathon, and I loved it! The crowd support was awesome...really kept me motivated! The last stretch coming in was a little long, but all the musical perrfomers along the course really made it fun! It was not very crowded and would be a great marathon for a PR. I ran 3:14. Thanks to the Quad Cities for a wonderful experience!

Nicely organized race. Arsenal Island is very pretty, but one of the last stretches on the industrial Illinois side was less desirable. Running the bridges was a super touch and a highlight I will remember. Medical crew was awesome and plentiful along the course. I finished in a dissappointing time due to illness, but there were some 'angels' out that course and I will be forever thankful. Do the spaghetti dinner, it's worth it. What I shall remember is crossing the bridge into Rock Island, IL and the high school kids that were just roaring. This is a good, small race. Thanks for doing the National Anthem at the start, and for the prayer. It got my engines going. I wish more races did the anthem or state/city song. It adds to the magnitude of what we are all trying to accomplish. Nice to see the Quad Cities honor the effort!

Organization - perfect.
Refreshments - both during and post race were perfect, I've never seen so much Gu!
Volunteers - outstanding.
Spectators - The camaraderie among the runners more than made up for the lack of spectators along the course. I especially want to thank Aileen and Brittany from one of the relay teams. They ran me in from mile 18 and their friendliness to all around them was a wonderful thing to behold. They should receive an award for the team with the best spirit!
Course - okay, I'm from Chicago and I know flat. This is not flat. I'm not saying it's tough, but it is definitely rolling. I still managed a PR by more than 2 minutes, so it can't be that bad. Arsenal Island is especially beautiful.
Massage team - I was impressed that such a small marathon would have massages available at the end of the race. The women in the tent were terrific!
People of Quad Cities - Everyone bent over backwards to be helpful. What a great community.
Marathon Hotel - It was clean and quiet and they had an early breakfast. We booked at the regular rate since the marathon rate was sold out when we called. But when we checked in, they gave us the marathon rate anyway.
Dinner - We didn't do the pasta party, but we can highly recommend Trattoria Tiramisu in Davenport for a great pre-race meal.

Postitives: Flat course (I ran a pb), great scenery along the Mississipi and crossing the four bridges, great support from the many friendly voulunteers and police along the course, well organized, many water and Gu stations, good finish area to replenish fluids/carbs.
Negatives (very few): Not enough port-a-potties, strong winds at times, crowd support sparse.

This is an extremely well organized event. The water stops were plentiful, well run with fun folks who just did a super job. I missed my water at one of the stops because I messed-up the cup handoff from one of the kids. Another guy sees what happened to me and the next thing I know, he's running next to me with water beyond the water stop handing off cups to me while I was running. How great was that!!! Plenty of nice porta-potties, Gu areas, bands, cheerleaders, gospel singers and water sponges. Beer after the race was fantastic too!! Only gripe is the Radisson host hotel only offerred a 12:30 late check out which stinks. The other host hotel, the Super 8 told me they had all the late check outers they wanted that weekend which was also 12:30. I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Davenport and they were very helpful. Gave me a 2pm check out with a cheaper room and it was only about ten minutes to and from the race. Thank you Lori at the Holiday Inn/Davenport. Plenty of parking at the race so staying at the host hotel close to the start/finish line is a non-issue here. I heard from a few locals at the start line that support for the race is not what it used to be and attendance is down. Don't let this race fold. Get behind this race!! It's as organized as any big race and better with really nice people. The crowds were light but the weather was windy and cold. Those who came out were very enthusiastic and cheered us on. They even stayed out for us back of the pack runners. Run this race. You won't be disappointed. It's a winner in my opinion.

Yes, everything was small: number of marathoners, the expo and the size of the (4) towns, but what was huge was the heart and soul put into this one.

Organization was excellent evidenced by the well done expo, bus tour and attention to runners on the course. Weather was acceptable to most... I couldn't decide to put the jacket on or off throughout the changes of sun, clouds and wind.

The only thing that will prevent me from running this one again is TOO MUCH CONCRETE! The distance is brutal enough without the added beating you get with concrete.

I suggest they alter the course more toward the Iowa side of the Mississippi instead of the horrid out and back (9 miles) at the end of the race in Illinois. Finishing into a headwind for 4+ miles didn't help either.

Still a good event with very good folks.

This was my first time running the Quad Cities Marathon, although it was my 14th total marathon. I'll definitely be back to run it again. The one minor suggestion for improvement is to provide Gatorade at each aid station rather than every other one. The Gu saved me! Thanks for offering it along the course, it came as a pleasant surprise.

About the marathon itself, here goes: I loved the beautiful course, especially Arsenal Park and the bridges over the Mississippi River. Another runner described the ascent over the rolling parts of Iowa as 'climbing but worth the view' - I couldn't agree more. The race was organized extremely, extremely well. The turn-offs were layed out so that there was no confusion or congestion. The organization of the race made running it smooth and problem-free. I was initially worried that there might be the potential to get derailed on the course, but the turns were properly marked and the race course volunteers/organizers were most helpful and genuinely high-spirited including the town's police officers and paramedics. They made the marathon tremendous.

Finally, I was so incredibly impressed by the support of the local communities. The Chicago Marathon, which is five times closer to home for me and a marathon I am familiar with x3, cannot compare with the Quad Cities Marathon when it comes to the participation of the communities who cheer the runners on and keep us going when our bodies are saying 'no more'. The church choirs, men's groups, school bands & cross country teams, and supportive families brought a smile to my face and reinvigorated me throughout several of the miles. I really want to salute everyone involved in making the QC Marathon what it was. See you next year!

This was my first Quad Cities Marathon; I wasn't even sure where I was going. For those of you that haven't been to Quad Cities, you are missing out! The event starts out on Sat. night with a great pasta dinner that is enjoyed by many racers and many of the wonderful volunteers! The course was great too - well marked, great water and aid stops, support and 'fans' along the course. The course is mostly flat and FAST (for most folks). The only ?challenge? was the wind, and that couldn?t be controlled!

The great course isn't the best part - the people are incredible! All 4 cities support the race and folks were very encouraging and entertaining (50 bands/music groups and cheerleaders!)! The race director along with his great, organized team pulled together a top marathon! Volunteers from the community helped to put on this fabulous race. It was breathtaking to watch the race director personally welcome runners to the finish line!

I didn't have a great racing time on Sunday, but I enjoyed the weekend, met some great folks in Quad Cities and have penned this race onto my calendar for next year! Thanks to all that helped to pull this race together, including the race director (Joe), Ian and crew, LD, and all other volunteers.