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Belleville Main Street Marathon & Half Marathon - Race Reviews
4.9
Average rating based on 39 ReviewsBy: Matt K.
Posted: October 04, 2023
Great energy!!
First half marathon for me and I really enjoyed it. The course was well marked. Lots of water stations and enthusiastic supporters. I had a lot of fun!
5.0
By: John L.
Posted: November 07, 2022
Well Done
I selected the Belleville marathon because 1) I needed an Illinois Marathon on my quest to make 50 states 2) the Metro extends from the St Louis Airport all the way past Belleville (no car rental needed). The course was hilly in places but manageable. The aid stations were well stocked by enthusiastic volunteers.I only gave organization 4 stars because I was forced to get a lyft to pick up my race packet about 10 miles away. I couldn't wait and pick up my packet on race morning because no drop bags were allowed and that would have required me to return to my hotel and back again. When I finished before the cutoff, the promised bbq sliders were all gone. I mention that only because I received an apologetic email several days later. I really appreciated that contact, most RDs could care less. I spent 4 days in Belleville and would highly recommend this Marathon and a visit to this very friendly town.
5.0
By: Richard H.
Posted: October 01, 2022
Friendly
The marathon was just amazing, they added a half marathon this year, it is growing! Very well organized event with excellent runner support, just a great small town race with super volunteers!
5.0
By: Mattie C.
Posted: September 29, 2022
Great local race overall!
The race was well organized, upbeat, and fun! Will definitely run it again.
5.0
By: Chrissie P.
Posted: September 28, 2022
FUN HOMETOWN RACE
Great Course, this is my 5th Half Marathon and the first for Belleville. Amazing Volunteers working the water stations . Plenty of water stations along the way . Would 100% recommend this Half.
5.0
By: Mars E.
Posted: October 25, 2021
Great job!!! Thank you!
Nice course change. Bike trail scenic easy to follow. Course mainly flat through mile 18 with a bit of a challenge mile 19-22. Plenty of aid stations and security. Lots of funny signs. Will do again next year! Sign me up!
5.0
By: Monica T.
Posted: October 14, 2021
Great course
I have run this race 4 out of the 5 years of in-person races. I have enjoyed each of the changes to the course. In 2021, the bike trail was really one of my favorite! The trail from mile 2-13 was fairly flat and easy to start the race. The stretch from mile 15-18 was very scenic. The race is very well organized and well supported. Can't wait to run again next year.
5.0
By: Angela K.
Posted: September 27, 2021
Highly Recommend!
This marathon was well-organized, with tons of funny signs and spectators along the way to keep up morale! The course was a little challenging with the last couple of miles mostly uphill, but would still highly recommend. Lots of stations along the way, and great after-race perks like physical therapy and bbq!
5.0
By: Elijah H.
Posted: October 02, 2019
Great Job!
Easy packet pick up at Toolens the night before. Morning of event the free parking at the ramp a block away was great. The course was nice with only a couple of small climbs too. That park, Death Valley I think they called it, was definitely a mental challenge. But the Peter Pan group and tutu wearing group made it much easier. I also want to give a shout out to all the fuel stations!! With the heat and humidity, they were all necessary. By mile 22 when all you want is salt, someone had it! The volunteers are what makes this great. I don't know who was handing out the electrolyte frozen pops at around 17 but those were AMAZING. The neighborhood that has the school was extremely enjoyable. Every spectator smiled, said hello, and made me feel welcome. Great, great small event! Next time though can you make sure it's not so humid!! Great job BRC and glad my money is going to the Parks and Backstoppers as well!
5.0
By: Edward G.
Posted: October 01, 2019
Outstanding marathon
This was my 2nd year running this race and I will be back next year. Very well organized and the most water stations I have ever seen at a race. The volunteers were all so great and the neighborhoods were so supportive.
5.0
By: Jessica George
Posted: September 30, 2019
Perfect beginner (and return) marathon!
I've run this marathon every year and have never been disappointed! You have to love a marathon with free parking, water stations almost every mile, and amazing spectators!!
5.0
By: Simon P.
Posted: September 30, 2019
Very well done marathon!
This was a really well run race. Lots of support on the course. Volunteers at nearly every cross walk. Police directing traffic at all the major intersections. Water, Gatorade, and porta potties just about every mile.
5.0
By: Jesus E.
Posted: September 30, 2019
Great support
Great support the entire time of the race.
5.0
By: Kathy B.
Posted: September 30, 2019
Hidden Gem
Belleville goes all out for this event. This year (2019) was even more enjoyable than last year. The community participation is outstanding. Like a hometown parade. I love how the various neighborhoods compete. Makes you want to get to the next one to see what they've come up with.
Organization is fabulous. Cannot believe how many volunteers there are. Every one of them enthusiastic and urging you on. Water and Gatorade every mile or two - fabulous. Well done, Belleville!
5.0
By: Stephanie G.
Posted: September 30, 2019
Excellent first time marathon.
This was my first marathon. Everything was fantastic..from the training emails, to the friendly volunteers along the route, and the course. The small hometown feel helped me finish. Best time I have had running a race.
5.0
By: Danielle Otto
Posted: September 29, 2019
Exciting from start to finish!!
Well stocked aid stations, very friendly volunteers and just the best, friendliest crowds to greet us around every corner!! I live close by and plan to make this an annual event.
5.0
By: Alex M.
Posted: September 29, 2019
Great local race.
This is a great local race. Easy to pick up a packet day of, run the race, and get out of it what you want.
4.0
By: John J.
Posted: September 29, 2019
Great smaller marathon with awesome support
I ran this again this year, 2019. It was challenging with temperature and humidity, luckily, we had cloud cover and little rain too. It was great to see the support and enthusiastic volunteers and supporters in the neighborhoods.
5.0
By: Jennifer H.
Posted: September 29, 2019
A Must Run Marathon
The Belleville Marathon is one of a kind. If this is your 5th marathon or your first, it is equipped for everyone. The support system and volunteer base is second to none. The energy, entertainment & fans brightened every runners face. The energy of the volunteers were contagious. The runners themselves were so supportive and encouraging. I have never experienced something quite like it. I will always hold the Belleville marathon in a special place in my heart as it was my first. I would highly recommend this race to anyone. The only way we will go far in life is by cheering on one another.
5.0
By: Bill Rayens
Posted: October 02, 2018
Well-orgainzed, delightful race.
I'm relatively to marathons (only have 19 completed) but have been racing for 47 years. This race was very well organized and executed, from the thoughtful close-by parking, to the water stations and porta potties, to the fabulous spectator support. Just a lot of fun. Go do it.
5.0
By: John J.
Posted: October 01, 2018
A great small sized marathon
In 2018, there were about 200 runners total. It makes you appreciate how much it takes for race organizers to put on a big distance race like this. This day was perfect with temps in 50 to 60 range. The volunteer support was fantastic! Hardly any spectators but were great where they were. This is a race for self-motivated runners. The finisher zone is top-notched too!
4.0
By: Steve Lauzon
Posted: October 01, 2018
Really fun small marathon
This was a really fun small marathon. There were so many spectators throughout the course. Weather was perfect and hills were reasonable. It was nice that the marathon was the only event so we were really catered to. There were more than enough water stations. Entry fee was cheap compared to other races. My wife and kids were able to see me at several points on the course so it was very spectator-friendly. If I was local I would love to do this one again.
5.0
By: Darrin W.
Posted: October 01, 2018
Outstanding. A must run Marathon.
Even though a small event, this was one of the best organized Marathons that I have attended. Water stations were on the mark in their support. Supporters were everywhere. Parking garage used for runners was very close to the start/finish. Drop bag station not needed. Package pickup was quick and easy. Streets were marked very well and volunteers were at every main intersection and questionable turn.
5.0
By: Brandi S.
Posted: September 30, 2018
Marathon held by those who know what's important!
I didn't expect all of the friendly race organizers, volunteers, runners, police officers, firefighters, musicians, spectators, and EMT. The people of Belleville Illinois are what make this well executed event my favorite marathon. The water stations were everywhere and the volunteers were so happy and encouraging. Residents and race organizers were handing out oranges, candy, blocks, gu, Gatorade, water, popsicles, water bottles. I don't know who did what, because the residents were as generous and supportive as the race volunteers. This race is really something special. I highly recommend you go with a smile on your face, take in all the kindness and encouragement they toss at you, and you'll see for yourself!
5.0
By: Jacob Oser
Posted: September 30, 2018
Well organized and AWESOME support!
The race was well organized and the spectator and community involvement was full of energy; best race support I've encountered. This was my first time running and am looking forward to next year.
5.0
By: Alan T.
Posted: September 30, 2018
One of THE best marathons out there!
Operating a race is a herculean task.
There are logistical issues to consider and solve, volunteers to assign and coordinate, and myriad other small details that cannot be overlooked if a race is to be successful.
These folks, in a mere three years, have darn near perfected the method. Other race operators could learn from Mike and his band of heroic staffers.
Belleville is in a class with the Calico Racing folks, and the St. George Marathon, in terms of its sheer excellence in overall organization. I've run enough marathons and ultras to know the difference between the bush leagues *coughcoughOMAHAcoughcough* and the big leagues, and Belleville can, and should, stand proudly with the best.
Personally, I enjoyed bantering and interacting with volunteers and spectators alike. It was a 26.2-ish mile party, and I loved being a guest! They kept smiling, and kept me smiling, too!
The course was a delight, and although the distance from mile marker 13 to the half-marathon point at 13.1...was about .2 miles, it was a minor issue. I would rather run 26.5 miles or more than 26.19. Anyone who cares about proper distance feels the same way.
They do need to establish a gear check, especially as they grow. I lucked out by stowing my stuff at a tent belonging to one of the running clubs.
I want to come back for next year's race, and that's that.
5.0
By: Frances C.
Posted: September 30, 2018
I loved this race!
I ran yesterday and was so impressed by the support, the volunteers, the number of water stations (and bathrooms) along the course, the spectators, and the beautiful course itself. I loved this small race and was so encouraged by all of the people who came out to volunteer and cheer us on. I also appreciated feeling safe along the course.
5.0
By: Cory Sims
Posted: October 31, 2017
By runners for runners
If you are a low frills, small town type runner (like me) this is an awesome marathon. Excellent crowd and community support and all involved are runners so decisions are made with a runner mentality-like no smaller race occurring. Loved most everything about the experience.
5.0
By: Evan G.
Posted: October 23, 2017
Great event!
I've had the privilege of running the Belleville Marathon in both 2016 and 2017 as well as participate in the Belleville Marathon training group. I really enjoy so much about the event from the route, volunteers, and the free BEAST BBQ and Michelob Ultras at the finish line! Since I ran both years I was also glad to see small improvements with the logistics. I think you get a lot for what you pay and so it's ends up being a great value!
5.0
By: Kevin M.
Posted: October 16, 2017
even better support than many large marathons!
Was very impressed at the support during the race and the support and food after the race. This was better than some marathons with 10 times the number of participants!
5.0
By: Chris S.
Posted: October 12, 2017
Great Race! Will Run Again!
Everything about this race was exceptional: the price ($65...unbelievable!), the high level of organization, the ease of getting to the course and parking on race morning, the aid stations (every 1-2 miles, with gels in 3 locations), the course itself (only a few small hills), the consistent crowd support from mile 1 to mile 26, the friendly volunteers, and the post-race party (including a full meal from the best BBQ place in the area!). A great experience. I'll run it again!
5.0
By: Elizabeth M.
Posted: October 07, 2017
Well organized. Awesome volunteers!
This was my first marathon, so I wasn't sure what to expect but the whole experience WAY exceeded my expectations. I think the volunteers outnumbered the runners! Everyone was super friendly and energetic. The course was great! Before the race, I wasn't even sure I'd be able to finish but on race day, I beat my expected finish time by 45 minutes! Turns out, I run much better with people handing me water and cheering me on. The support for this race was super from start to finish. I highly recommend this race for both newbie and seasoned runners. GREAT experience! Can't wait to do it again! :)
5.0
By: John B.
Posted: October 06, 2017
Great Race, Great Price
Great race if you like small marathons. About 170 runners make up the field.
5.0
By: Janna P.
Posted: October 06, 2017
Fabulous event!!!
This was my first marathon. The event was well organized, welcoming, and any need runners had was attended to. The course was well laid out with volunteers always in sight.
5.0
By: Kaitlyn W.
Posted: October 06, 2017
Nice and inexpensive race!
With it being only the 2nd time it was held, I was concerned about the crowd support and if the course directions would be clear. The crowd support was amazing, especially during the second 13.1 miles. Course directors were at every turn or intersection so there was no confusion of which way to go. I also really appreciated the frequency of cold water/gatorade stations (every 1-2 miles). It may have been a small race, but I definitely believe the race will get more competition in the coming years because of the course and cost.
5.0
By: Clint S.
Posted: October 03, 2017
Great small race!
This was a small race but the volunteers were amazing. They were so energetic and cheered for every runner equally. The volunteers and cheering sections were a great inspiration for all.
4.0
By: Dan T.
Posted: October 01, 2017
Fantastic race!!!
What a wonderful event! And I think what's most impressive is that they do it all at a crazy inexpensive price ($65). The fact that it was a marathon ONLY event makes all the difference. It was so nice to have all of the emphasis on the marathon and not the half. The volunteers were exceptional. The course was just right with a few small hills, but nothing terrible. And the finish line spread was impressive with bbq by Beast Craft BBQ.
Highly recommended!
5.0
By: Richard H.
Posted: May 07, 2017
Outstanding Race , GREAT organization !
This race was just awesome ,very well put together ,the course covers west main and is a great run through the city of Belleville ,the volunteers and water stations really took care of the runners ,good first marathon.
5.0
By: Tammy A.
Posted: October 18, 2016
Amaziing course, workers, and support!!!
Belleville marathon was my 35th marathon. And it is one I will do again!!!! Total small town welcome and support when you arrive at the start, the workers encouraged runners and welcomed them. Professionally organized! The course is mainly flat and very nice. The hills which are in the course (maybe 5) are spaced out so you are not beat up. Lots of water stops and the crowd (which lined the whole course) was amazing. Each water stop was like a little party, very energetic!! Shirts are well made, medals are big but very classy. Food at the end was unbelievable!!! Very good food not just a grab and go. Finish announcer called out each persons name when they came in, how cool is that to hear your name once you finished!!! AMAZING RACE!!!
5.0
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