After reading all the reviews about how flat the course and how fast this course is, I decided to run this in hopes to qualify for Boston Marathon. I must say that upon arrival this year, I was surprised to see that this course had some hills. They had to change the course due to some train issues? The hills consist of the on ramps over bridges (4x) to be exact. Then there is a gradual hill about 3 miles into the race.
Now, I know where there is an up there is a down. This hill situation was not the problem for me because I have been training in Forest Park. What the problem was the last part of the race. Mile 20-26 was an out and back. Normally not a problem except it was almost 90 degrees and there was no shade. THIS PART WAS HORRIBLE!!!!!
I was ahead of schedule until I hit the 23 mile turn around. It was hot and my feet hurt... I ended up walking most of my finish. I will just say that it was not a good finish.

I love the scenary, and loved the finish-line refreshments and accomidations. Very organized:)
I am very happy that I ran this race and I wish the age group divisions went up to 5th place because I finished 5th in my age group.
Overall, it was nice and I am glad to say I ran in two states 4 cities in one day.......
Veronica Kirkpatrick
Swansea, Illinois

I have done a couple marathons and I will be upfront: this marathon was the smallest one I have ever done and the enormity of the race itself was along the same lines. I soon found that this race is a must for anyone who honestly loves marathoning. Period. The organization that Ian Frink and Joe Moreno put forth is perplexing even to a statistician. The whole community is very warm and receptive and I was treated with class the entire weekend. I very much enjoyed the pre-race dinner and Craig Virgin speaking there; it was a very personable meal.

Now, the weather cannot be controlled and that was my biggest issue of the day - and the last 6 miles were rough with the out-and-back as temperatures started to climb - but the spectators and volunteers should all be applauded, as should the medical staff, who more than helped me after I finished. The best part of the race was coming off of the bridge just before mile 20 and the crowd being smack right there and the cheers echoing off the buildings; that gave me chills and encouraged me when I was suffering pretty badly.

Hats off to Quad Cities, I would very much like to do this one again next year! I also found that the bridges were unique; they were the only hills on the course but I actually did take in the view while I was on them. I know it is very hard to draw people to a race that is in the middle of the Twin Cities, Chicago, New York, etc. But this race is going to jump up the chart if it already hasn't. Also, a big thanks to Laurel for working on me the day before the race.

I can't wait to come back next year! This well-run race has it all! Nice course with only a few hills early. Ample Gatorade, water, gel, sponges etc.... Nice start with prayer and helicopter fly-by! Keep it up!

I was glad we got the "hills" (actually the bridges were about the only elevation problem) out of the way early. We took off and were in IA within 2-3 miles and ran around there and then back into IL and then onto the island. Most of the course is pretty flat, so not too hard on the body. The last 4-5 miles it got pretty hot on the course as the temp started climbing up and up. I came home with a pretty good tan outline of my singlet. There was a little headwind doing the last out-and-back part on the way out, but once you turned around and headed for the finish line 3 miles away you couldn't even feel the breeze, so it got warm. The pasta dinner the night before was great and the tent made it very comfortable. The keynote speaker was outstanding too.

This was my first marathon, so the size was perfect for me. Running in four cities and two states was also an attractive element. The course was a bit hilly in a few spots, but generally interesting, with plenty of water, sponges and Gu stops. The out-and-back stretch over the last 6 miles was brutal in the sun and heat, and I expected a few more spectators or music to divert my attention at times, but overall, there was great community support and I would definitely do it again - in cooler weather, I hope.

Hats off to the folks who organized the Quad City Marathon! What a pleasure it was to run your course. The volunteers were top-notch and the traffic control was excellent. Thanks for making my marathon such a positive experience!

Best marathon I've ever run. OK, the only marathon I've ever run. But it was a great place to start. Great small-city atmosphere. Really supportive fans. There were a few times when the water stops were low on water, or what they had was warm. (It was a pretty hot day, too.) Other than that, it was great. I'd do it again.

Really enjoyed the race. The volunteers were great. We can't do it with out them. Two problems: At the start of the race, the corral was closed and we had to wait for it to empty out to start the race. Also, on a hot day, the warm water at the aid stations was not very thirst-quenching. Everything else was great. What a great time.

This is my fourth time running the Quad City Marathon (I run the half) and each year my time decreases! This race is flat and beautiful. Joe is wonderful! The volunteers and fellow racers are SO NICE! The only complaint I have is that the dinner/expo/packet pick-up keeps moving places and for an out-of-towner it makes it a bit hard to find where to go. Plus - nothing really to do with the race, but I had hotel problems so next year I'll be booking much earlier and will get on the race strip.

By far one of the greatest events to be part of! The course was EXCELLENT, the fans were FANTASTIC, and the organization was SUPERIOR! The military dedication, coupled with a fly-over, was by far the greatest start I've ever seen. Once again the Quad Cities spectators, volunteers, and race organizers helped me finish my second marathon. A new standard has been set! Thank you!