With the weather finally seeming to act its season lately and all the surprise winter storms gone for good, Quad Citizens can begin to break out their shorts and tank tops and prepare for upcoming 5k’s and other fun themed races coming up this spring and summer. Hola America Sports has you covered with a list of some of the biggest races in the Quad Cities from May to the end of August. Mark your calendars now and of course get on your mark, get set and go get yourself ready for your best running season ever.
Here is the list of the 8 Cool Races for this spring and summer (in chronological order):
#1 On Saturday May 6th, Ganzo’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in Davenport, IA hosts the biggest Cinco de Mayo event in the QC and it all begins with the Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo 5k. As kids can choose from a ½ or 1 mile Sombrero Shuffle fun run with finishing medals, bounce houses and activities at the end, adults can look forward to an awesome 5th anniversary finishing medal along with free beer and tacos when the cross the finish line. For more info or to register visit, www.ganzos5k.com
#2 June packs in three big races for the month and you may want to bring a change of clothes for the first one. On June 3rd, the Girl Scouts of America host their annual One Tough Cookie 3 mile mud run and obstacle course race at Camp Liberty in New Liberty, IA. Packed with challenging and fun obstacles that will test your strength and endurance all the proceeds go back to help all the Girl Scouts of America become responsible members of their community. And side note, these are the wonderful people that provide us with some of the best cookies once a year, so signing up for this race is the least we can do to say thank you. For more info or to register visit,
www.onetoughcookierace.com
#3 Next up in June is a race that on the morning of the 10th, you will know that it is happening by the sea of pink and white that runs by you in downtown Moline. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure takes place in downtown Moline and serves as one of the biggest fundraisers for breast cancer research in the Quad Cities. With hot weather most likely on the radar that day, grab some friends and come support this great cause. For more information or to register visit, www.info-komen.org
#4 Just one week later, downtown Moline is the spot to quench your thirst for running and your thirst for craft beer. With your choice of running either a 1 mile or 6k course, you also get a discounted entry into the Micro Brew Mile Craft Beer Festival that is just around the corner from the finish line! Part of the proceeds for this event will also go to The Children’s Therapy Center for the Quad Cities and the Chris “SPEY” VanSpeybroeck Memorial Scholarship. For more information or to register visit,
www.microbrewmile.com
#5 In July, burgers on the grill are in full force and so are some of the area’s biggest race’s of the summer. On the 4th of July, the Firecracker Run will celebrate its 35th anniversary in downtown East Moline. Participants have their choice of running a 1 mile, 5k, 10k or the famous team hospital bed race. There is also a Kiddie Run for children ages 8 and under. For more information or to register visit, www.firecrackerrun.com
#6 A few weeks later, one of the nation’s largest summer races will take place in downtown Davenport. In its 43rd year, the Bix 7 takes over Brady Street and beyond as runners take part in this challenging seven mile course with one of the biggest post-race parties of the year. In the four weeks leading up the event, participants will be able to train on the course at the Bix at 6. And if long distance isn’t your thing, the Quick Bix and Brady Street Sprints are more options available that weekend. For more information or to register visit, www.bix7.com
#7 On August 3rd, you can come show your support for those who serve and who have served at the Freedom Run in downtown East Moline. With your choice of either the 1 mile, 5k, or the double time 5.8 mile loop, this hilly course combined with the hot August-evening air challenges even the most elite runner. For more information or to register visit, www.freedomrun5k.org.
#8 If you missed the area’s first mud run in June, Coal Valley is home for an even bigger one at the Case Creek Obstacles and 5k on August 12. With 30 plus obstacles along the way, your endurance and mental strength will definitely be put to the test in this race. It also wouldn’t hurt to watch a few episodes of American Ninja Warrior to make sure you are up for this daunting day of fun. For more information or to register visit,
www.casecreekobstacles.com
If all that wasn’t enough, this fall the Quad Cities Marathon will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on Sept 24th and Hola America will be covering all the festivities leading up to this monumental weekend.
So whether you are a seasoned runner or are training for your first race ever, the Quad Cities offers something for everyone in the next few months. And as the running saying goes, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.
