With runs being almost 100% virtual last year, I think it’s safe to say that the Quad Cities running community is ready to safely get back to running together again this year. Hola America Sports has a breakdown of some of the area’s annual running spring and summer events and a few new ones in 2021.
The miles and margaritas will be on display this year at the 9th annual Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo 5K on Saturday, May 1st. Starting at Ganzo’s Restaurant in Davenport, the fun but challenging course starts at the restaurant, goes up N Division St, through W 53rd street and finishes back at the restaurant where one of the largest Cinco de Mayo fiestas will be going on throughout the day and night. This year, they are partnering with The Quad Cities Autism Center where all the proceeds from this event will go. For more information or to register for this event visit, https://www.ganzos5k.com/.
As racism seemed to take the front seat of many news reports this past year, the YWCA will bring awareness to this at the Race Against Racism Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, May 22nd. Starting and finishing at Lindsay Park Yacht Club in Davenport, the course will travel along the Mississippi River waterfront and will also include a 1-mile fun run. Along with the run, you can also nominate someone for the Race Against Racism Honorees for individuals who are actively taking a stand against racism either through words, actions or volunteerism and inspiring change which has had a positive impact on the community. UnityPoint Health – Trinity will also be hosting the Pursuit of Health and Wellness Expo that will have booths with various health and wellness info. For more information or to register for this event visit, https://ywcaqc.org/event/race-against-racism-2021/.
Memorial Day will host the inaugural Quad Cities Running Festival at the TBK Bank Sports Complex. With a half marathon, a 10K and kid’s ½ mile race, your entry will include, chip-timed race entry (Half/10k), access to Digs Bar & Grill Post Race Party (Half/10k), free Crawford Brew Works special event runner-inspired brew! (Half/10k), lunch (Half/10k), event tee (Half/10K/Virtual), event cup (Half/10K/Virtual), specialty cookie from Cookies & Dreams (Half/10K/Virtual), 1 Hour Activity Card to High5 (Half/10K/Virtual) and a Half Marathon Finisher’s Medal (Half/Virtual). For more information or to register for this event visit, GetMeRegistered.com/QCRunningFestival
Flags and fireworks will fill the air in downtown East Moline on Sunday, July 4th at the 39th Annual Genesis Firecracker Run. A 5K and a 10K will be offered for those that want to get in a good workout before celebrating later in the day as a 1-mile race and kids run will also be available. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Firecracker Run without the famous hospital bed races and Guns and Hoses competitions as well. For more info or to register for this event visit, http://www.firecrackerrun.com/
The Bix is back! The world-famous Quad City Times Bix 7 race will celebrate it’s 47th year in the QCA! A challenging seven-mile course starting with a run up Brady Street hill, is what those who travel from all over the world know and expect for this event. This weekend long event will also have the Brady Street Sprints on Thursday, July 22nd, and the Jr. Bix the night before for kids 0-12 along with the 2-mile Quick Bix the morning of the race that will start the same time as the 7-mile race. For more information or to register for this event visit, https://bix7.com/
Runners always look forward to the first Thursday night in August in the QC, because that’s the night where you can celebrate local military and their families at the Trinity Freedom Run 5K. Downtown East Moline provides a challenging course throughout the main roads and neighborhoods and for those that want to add a bit more to their run can choose to do the double time, which is a 5.8-mile loop. The Frontline Mile Run/Walk and Kid’s Ground Pounder Fun Run is also a choice for those registering. For more info or to register for this event visit, https://www.freedomrun5k.org/
There is only one place where you can eat delicious cookies and be covered in mud and be happy about it. On Saturday, August 14th, The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois will host the One Tough Cookie Mud Run and Obstacle Course at Camp Liberty in New Liberty Iowa. With something for everyone, those 14 and up can sign up for the One Tough Cookie course, ages 8-13 can do the One Tough Cookie Jr and those 7 and under can do the Muddy Buddy Run. 100% of the proceeds go to the Girl Scouts. For more info or to register for this event visit, http://onetoughcookierace.com/
Formerly the MicroBrew Mile, the newly named MoTown Mile and 6K-ish Road Race will take place in the afternoon of Saturday, August 14th in downtown Moline. Runners can register for one or the other or both at a discounted rate. And if that wasn’t enough, the MoTown Craft Beer Festival will be going on from 5pm-8pm. Tickets for the festival are sold separately. For more information or to register for this event visit, https://www.runmotown.com/
With runners dipping their bruised running toe back in the water of live events again, area directors are doing their best to ensure that all these events will be put on with participant safety at the top of the list. A virtual option is available for most of the events but for those that have been itching to cross that real finishing line again, the Quad Cities gives you many choices to get those miles in this summer. So pick one and run and remember; the only bad mile is the one you didn’t run.
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