I ran the 1/2 for the first time this year, and had a great time! My only disappointment was the lack of spectators during the last 2-3 miles or so. Trust me, that's when I needed people cheering me on! Overall, what a great race for a relatively small city and it's one I would highly reccomend! Between the QC Marathon and the Bix, the QC area is a great area for races! Keep up the good work, and you will see me doing the full marathon this year!

I ran the half-marathon, and had a great time before, during and after the race. I brought my kids (15, 12 and 10) with me, and they enjoyed the pool at the Stoney Creek Inn, and watching their old man run. I think the size of the field was perfect - enough other runners to make it interesting, but nowhere near the mob scene I saw when I watched my sister-in-law and a co-worker run the Chicago Marathon this year. Everything was very well-organized, and everyone from the racers through the event staff to the spectators was in good spirits. I especially liked the prayer offered by a local priest at the start - it's refreshing to see that God hasn't been eliminated from all public squares. (He then ran down from the platform to join the race.) If our family schedule permits, I will definitely be back next year.

If you live in the midwest, you're nuts if you don't try this race. I ran three small marathons this year and this was by far the best. If you want to run fast, this is the course. With the exception of one real hill at about mile 2.5, the whole course is ridiculously flat and FAST. Mile markers were well marked and placed accurately. The aid stations were properly stocked and you got gel like three or four times on the course. Tons of bands and plenty of crowd support. I chased some guy down at the finish and the crowd was going nuts. It was really something else and it won't be forgotten anytime soon. The shirt isn't some silly cotton/poly blend but a long sleeved technical shirt. I'm making this a yearly event (not just because there's beer at the finish, but that helps too). Try this race, you won't be dissapointed.

This race was awesome. I had so much fun running this course. I was a little worried about running with such a small number of runners. This worked to my advantage as I knocked 49 minutes off of my Chicago Marathon time. Less people means you can actually run at your desired pace. Very friendly, very organized, very fun!!! I will be back again.

I was using this course as a tune-up for the Chicago Marathon and was initially planning on doing 20 miles. I ended up hobbling the last six miles and finished my first marathon - scenic with adequate crowd support. The course was really nice for the first 13 miles. For the second half of the course, we spent too much time on Arsenal Island (not many spectators to help push you along) and the last six miles were a redundant three-mile loop. However, even though there were only 600+ finishers for the marathon, there were plenty of runners (with the relay and half-marathon participants) to keep us company. The organization was good. Aid stations were adequate. I'm going to try several other marathons in the next couple years, but would love to come back here again.

I was very impressed by this race. I had high expectations based on the reviews and was still surprised by having so much friendly support from runners, volunteers and the fans. The course had more Gu than I could even stomach, and it was a big help (I think it was every five miles). The only substantial hills were the bridges and that meant the declines and inclines were balanced well.

Even though it started a chilly windy day, the wonderful people and well organized race made up for the weather. There were a lot of musical performers, snacks and encouragement throughout the course. It was also very easy for family/friends with other shorter events available, and nearby parking.

I really think the organization should get six stars here. The course, start and finish were very well staffed. Each mile was clearly marked and even had large balloons attached. I thought that was a great feature.

My only complaint was the nature of the marathoners' contact with the half marathoners. I understand it changed this year, and maybe it should change back. I think we joined up with them three separate time, and each time, we were with slower runners. As the marathon approached 20 miles, the half-marathon signs were nearing 12 miles. I found it discouraging and frustrating to see the low mile-markers (even though they were clearly marked when you got close enough) and have to weave around people running so much slower and clearly tired, nearing the end of their race.

I look forward to returning next year regardless - I just hope they change the half marathon course a bit.

...recognize that this is a city that is trying to get capitalized. Only two hotels within a couple blocks of start, and they were sold out in February! Most restaurants downtown are basically bars with food, although there is a very good Italian restaurant. There was a lot of music at the beginning at the course and generally good spectator support but little to none during miles 21 - 25, which was psychologically a very challenging straight out-and-back with no turns (just orange cones as far as you can see until the turnaround to go back). Moving some of the bands to that part of the course would have been well appreciated. All in all though, if it were easy, it wouldnt be a marathon. So I give this one generally high marks.

From the A-1 accommodations (hotels right at the start/finish line) to the scenic, rolling Mighty-Mississippi-River route, this is a very well-run marathon with a small-town(s) feel. We are two runners from the Chicago area with several marathons between us, including Chicago and Grandma's, and this one ranks right up at the top for us. Close and easy to get to from Chicago; no busses, taxis and trains are necessary to get to the starting line.... We just walked out the door of the hotel. Great weather, friendly people, lots of water, and helium balloons at every mile (huge bonus for those of you who don't know).

And Joe, you should be very proud of your son. We met him first at the expo where he was extremely helpful, courteous, polite, friendly, and informative. Somehow we continued to catch glimpses of him throughout our entire run and he always had a smile and "you're doing great" attitude to help us along. And there he was, with you, at the finish, to give us a handshake and pat on the back. Thanks... it meant a lot.

We'll definitely be back!!

The 2006 race is my only QCM - and even though I flamed out at Mile 24, it was a very well run race and Joe must be complimented. Very impressive organization!

My favorite part of the event, though, was that not only is there a half-marathon with a concurrent start, but also a 5K - which was great for amateur runners in my family that came with me that couldn't do a more formidable distance.

Now my 10 year-old daughter is always asking when I sign up for a marathon if she'll get to run a 5K! :) And we got matching photos from MarathonFoto.com.

Kestrou

I have run 24 marathons and, in my opinion, the Quad Cities Marathon is one class act.

The race is well organized, the volunteers are terrific, and the amenities are second to none. For a very reasonable entry fee, you get everything you might expect from a marathon including a nice long-sleeve Dri-Fit shirt. Some marathons have one energy gel station located just over half way through the marathon. This marathon had multiple GU stations starting at mile 5. There were two GU stations just for the half marathon! Add the factor of a race director so dedicated that he would literally give you the shirt off his back and you have a real winner. You don't find too many race directors who would park his truck across railroad tracks to keep a train from blocking runners like this guy did in 2005.

The race course was altered this year to eliminate runners having to cross railroad tracks and the new route is terrific. There is one hill in the race but it is no problem since it is long, gradual and occurs early in the race. Much of the course is very scenic as it runs along the Mississippi River. Runners cross the Mississippi River several times over bridges that provide spectacular views of the river and the cities than line it.

This race is a winner. I ran the inaugural marathon nine years ago and I will definitely be there in 2007 for the 10th anniversary event.