This was my eighth marathon and I had a great experience with the whole event. This marathon, which is on the small side, is a hidden gem. Everything went off perfectly. The expo and pasta dinner were well organized. The start of the race was not too congested, even though the 5K, half marathon, and marathon all started at the same time. The course was very scenic, and other than a couple of mild hills in the first 4 miles, it was mainly flat. There was plenty of aid stations, as well as Gatorade, water, and GU. The volunteers did a terrific job. The crowd support was nice; in some areas it was a little thin, but not bad. I really cannot think of a negative comment for this race and I would highly recommend it for the full marathon or half marathon.

Very well organized race. You can stay warm inside just prior to race time. Plenty of supplies at aid stations. Not a particularly hilly course, but seemed a little "hillier" than advertised. The part of the course on Arsenal Island (approximately miles 13-20) was really nice, particularly around the golf course. Not a ton of spectators, but the ones who were there were enthusiastic.

I've run this race twice, and I have to say: for a smaller marathon, it was a pleasure.

Scenery: The only hills are during the first 4-5 miles in Bettendorf. Then it's a very flat course. The run along the Mississippi in Davenport is so gorgeous, plus there are spectators - a great combo. Running along the bridges is pretty cool as well. You can even feel the sway of the I-74 bridge at the start of the race at times, since so many people are on it. That's kind of neat... not too scary though.

Performance: Can definitely PR here since the course is flat. The only problem is the last 10K are out/back. Luckily there are plenty of people cheering, but it's tough to see the finish line at Mile 20 and then have to run in the opposite direction.

Spectators: Great crowd, especially at the start and finish. There are even several bands that play along the way for something different.

Water/GU: Plenty of water and GU, and even some Vaseline sponges during the last 7 miles. Only problem: not enough port-a-potties. And they are always at the hand-off spots for the relay racers, so you're constantly fighting with them. If they can put more along the way, that would greatly help.

Organization: Had no problems both years. Very organized crew. Packet pickup is well set-up. Good food and drinks following the race. Great Brooks running shirt, and the medal is so cool. At the end of the race, if you're not in a giant pack, they even announce your name as you cross the finish line; that's kind of a nice way to end the wonderful 26.2-mile journey.

Can't say enough about this race. Just a great overall race!

Scenic, intimate race, with good pacers, plenty of hydration, gels, ice cubes, orange slices, and support. BUT it is INSANE to run an out-and-back 10K at the very end. It starts at mile 20 near the finish line and runs a straight 3 miles out and straight 3 miles back. Harder than you might think. Please change that and this marathon is perfect.

We'd like to recognize and express our appreciation to Quad Cities Marathon race director, Joe Moreno, and his team of volunteers who pulled off another stellar running event this year. From all angles, this event was a success. From the registration process, to web information, the pasta party and guest speaker, the Health and Fitness Expo and finally the race itself, the whole event was extremely well planned and executed by very dedicated and delightful volunteers.

As the Founders of the Erika Kate Foundation, we were looking for a local event in which we could participate by bringing a group of supporters to the race to raise awareness for our Foundation in the Quad Cities area. The QC Marathon was the perfect venue for our organization since it offered a variety of distances for people of all ages and abilities to participate in. We brought more than 90 men, women and children wearing the Erika Kate Foundation logo while walking or running in each of the five events. Joe and his team went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. They made sure our team members were well informed by promptly returning emails and phone calls and worked to make certain the event exceeded our original objectives.

This was the first year for our Foundation to participate in the QC Marathon, and we most definitely felt welcomed and appreciated. With our tent set up 20 feet from the finish line, we were able to take part in each and every finish from our team. It was a thrill to be able to run around the Quad Cities, on an absolutely gorgeous autumn day, wearing the logo of the Foundation we started in honor of our little girl who died three years ago from a monstrous heart and lung disease. The day couldn't have been sweeter as we celebrated team members' personal bests, first-time finishes, and other race accomplishments.

We want to congratulate the entire QC Marathon Team for putting together the 13th successful and enjoyable running event. It's a huge undertaking to pull off something of this magnitude and to do it so well. We also want to thank all the EKF volunteers and participants who gave their time, talent and/or treasure to further our mission to help ease the emotional, spiritual and financial burdens borne by families of children with life-threatening heart conditions. We look forward to bringing another Team EKF to the QC Marathon next year with an even bigger and better representation. Until next year, may we all be inspired to run the race marked out for us.

With much appreciation,

Rich & Traci Maynard
Erika Kate Foundation
Muscatine, IA

As much as I enjoyed the race itself, it wasn't perfect. Execution was nearly flawless on race day, but I felt like information was lacking ahead of time.

I loved running the course. Going across the bridge was awesome. I came from St. Louis, and it was quite a drive, but the cities were well prepared for the weekend. I didn't like that at the start there were not enough porta-potties, and not very many on the course. Then when I finally finished and it was a rough finish for me, they were out of medals; I was so disappointed but I signed up to get one sent to me. I wanted to get one engraved and they said, "Oh, if you're getting one engraved, we have some." I got mine done and stood and watched everyone that came after me that wanted it engraved they had enough, but if you just wanted your medal, they were out. That is wrong. Just wrong. I don't like being deceived!! At mile 11, I had to go to the bathroom so badly and I finally saw one porta-potty and had to wait so long that my muscles were hurting by the time I got back on the course. They need more porta-potties. I will really think before I come this far for this race again!! Oh and our camera was stolen right out of our car and no one seemed to care or want to help. We went to several people and they kept telling us to tell someone else. I emailed the race and they never even emailed back to find out if it was ever found. There are always some dishonest people out there but the race volunteers could at least act like they cared!!

There isn't enough space to say all the good things about this race. The atmosphere was awesome, the local fans cheered like mad (there were a few less than the million you see in Chicago but they were sure enthusiastic), the scenery was great, you could have drowned in all of the liquids at the aid stations (especially the second half, when you really need it), the post-race happenings are better than any other marathon I've ever run anywhere, the staggered start worked great at bringing everyone back together at the end, and the volunteers were absolutely the best. I drove almost 4 hours from near the WI border and it was well worth the trip.

The organizers at this race know what they are doing and do it with much care. This marathon has won a special place in my heart because the race director and the coordinators honestly care about all of the runners in the race. They are passionate and personable and down to earth. The course was hilly the first couple miles this year (due to rerouting as a result of road construction), and people have to realize how much work it is to make a course, staff it with help and volunteers, and make it legit (like they do at QCM). Temperatures were perfect for the race. I did the half this year, but the full the previous two years and the crowds in Rock Island and in Davenport were great (and, of course, in Moline). There is a reason that this race's participation has been increasing over the past couple of years. It is big enough, but not anywhere near being too big, and it offers the amenities that any runner could want. Meeting Sean Hartnet the night before was a very enlightening experience; it was great to hear him talk about all of his travels and experiences with runners from all over the world. The food was good at the dinner and I would like to give a special thanks to Joe and Ian; they are first-class.

I want to congratulate the organizers of this race. There are so many things to compliment them on. The medal is the best I have received for any of my races, and the same can be said about the tech shirt that the runners were given. This race was very easy to access. There was plenty of parking very close to the start/finish line. It was wonderful to see all of the performers playing music for the runners, although some of them could have played more upbeat music (very small complaint). The pre-race environment was amazing with the planes flying over and a wonderful actress who sang the national anthem. The aid stations were plentiful and the GU abundant. The course is fairly flat with just a few small hills in the beginning. The scenery was nice along the river and over the bridges. The crowd support was great for such a small race. The volunteers were very hospitable. I can't say enough about how well this race was organized. Race pictures were available after a couple of days. I think that anyone who loves smaller races should run this marathon. The Quad Cities do the best they can with their marathon. I want to thank Cassie from KC, MO, who helped push me to run my best. The only complaint that I have would be that while crossing the 74 bridge, traffic was allowed to cross also and there were times when the runners would get pushed out into traffic a little; but that was as much the runners' fault as anyone's (a little patience would go a long way). I would run this marathon again, especially if they again promised the best medals. Fantastic job. First-class event with a small-town feel.