For the Love of the Run: Fun races to run this spring, summer and early fall in the Quad Cities

0
992
Freedom Run in East Moline, IL
Advertisements

As the leftover snow and ice finally fades away this week after a winter that seemed like it would never end, we can finally see the roads again which for a big part of the Quad Cities community means one thing, its running season!  Whether you’re a seasoned runner, chatty walker or just thinking about doing your first run this year, Hola America gives you a few of this year’s runs to fill up your spring and summer calendar.

Advertisements
  • On April 6th, the 2nd Annual 5K for DACA takes place on the Iowa State University campus.  This race, put on by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science-Student Chapter aims to raise awareness for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students at Iowa State University.  For more information visit, https://market-stuorg.sws.iastate.edu/572/product
  • The Village of East Davenport will be filled with eggs and Easter-themed fun on Saturday, April 20th for the 7th Annual Easter Egg Scramble 5K Run/Walk.  With a Bunny Hop option for kids 12 and under at 8:30am, this half mile race will also get them free admittance into the Easter Egg Hunt and a finisher’s medal.  Those participating in the 5K will also get a finisher’s medal along with a scenic run that overlooks the Mississippi River. The Easter Egg Scramble will also be working again with the Handicapped Development Center in the QC.  For more information please visit, https://www.scramble5k.com/
  • May kicks off with what has quickly earned the title of largest fiesta in town at the 7th Annual Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo 5K.  Starting at Ganzo’s restaurant in Davenport on Saturday May 4, the run is the first of many fun filled things for the day there including live bands, taco eating contests and an award for best costume.  For the run, every runner will receive a finisher’s medal. And this year, Ganzo’s is partnering with the Quad Cities Autism Center. The Autism Center provides key resources to individuals and families affected by autism such as education, support, advocacy, and more.  For more information visit, https://www.ganzos5k.com/

  • Want to show your support for our military men and women on Armed Forces Day?  The 2nd Annual Run the Rock 5K/10K + Kids run is just for you!  Taking place on the Rock Island Arsenal on Saturday May 18, this run gives you a scenic tour of the Arsenal as you show your pride for all those who are currently serving or have served in the past.  For more information visit, https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=130431
  • With the summer in full affect in June, no better way to block some of those sun rays that having a layer of mud on you. On June 1st, the One Tough Cookie 3 Mile Fun Mud Run in New Liberty, IA is back again this year with 100% of the proceeds going back to the Girl Scouts of America.  This challenging but fun course is designed for runners 14 years and older but runners 8-13 can also run on the One Tough Cookie Jr. course and kids 7 and under can do the Muddy Buddy which is pretty much just playing in the mud.  And since I know you are all wondering, yes, you get a box of delicious Girl Scout cookies when you pick up your packet. For more information visit, http://onetoughcookierace.com/

 

 

  • There is no better way to spend Global Running Day than at the Big Run 5K put on by Fleet Feet on Wednesday, June 5th.  Last year, 16,000 runners across the country participated in the nationwide 5K, The Big Run, on Global Running Day.  Our beautiful route will start and finish in front of East Moline’s Rust Belt, a revitalized car manufacturing plant turned music venue, brewery, fitness facility, design studio and retail destination.  We’ll celebrate and recognize finishers and award winners with a proper ceremony after the run, but following awards, all participants are welcomed to spill into the Rust Belt for an exclusive concert brought to us by Moeller Nights, set to begin at 8:00. Tickets are included with your registration, but will otherwise cost $25; you’ll want to be there. Artist will be announced in April.  For more information visit, https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=MTU0MjgxNjc2NDAyNDSVzgNmZ8B9odwe
  • You know exactly what day and what race it is when you see downtown Moline flooded with pink and white.  On Saturday, June 8th the 30th Annual Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure takes place at the Taxslayer Center.  Before the 5K and 1.2 Mile run/walk begins at 8am, participants can visit the Expo at 7am followed by the Survivor Parade at 7:15am.  For more information visit, http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR?fr_id=7519&pg=entry

  • It wouldn’t be summer without a beer run.  And the Microbrew Mile/ 6 mile run has quickly become a QC favorite.  Now you do have to wait for after the race to enjoy your spirits but for an extra $10 your race entry also gets you into the Microbrew Craft Beer Festival at 5pm.  Runners have the option to do the 6 mile course and/or the 1 mile race in the open, elite, masters or competitive divisions starting at 2pm Saturday June 15 in Downtown Moline.  The Micro Brew Mile is partnering with the Chris VanSpeybroeck Memorial Scholarship again this year.  For more information visit, http://www.microbrewmile.com/
  • Nobody does 4th of July better than downtown East Moline.  And the sound of a cannon going off early in the morning means that the 37th Annual Genesis Firecracker Run is underway!  Runner have their choice of either a 5K or a 10K at 7:30am followed by a Kiddie Run at 8:45am for kids 8 and under and a 1 mile race for kids 9-12 at 9:15am.  The popular hospital bed races will be at 10am. If you are a member of the QC area police or fire department, you can also register for the Guns & Hoses Challenge.  For more information visit, http://www.firecrackerrun.com/

  • The last Saturday in July is always saved for one of the biggest runs of the summer.  Celebrating its 45th year, the Quad City Times Bix 7 will make their way up Brady Street Hill and wind around Davenport ending at the QC Times building for a huge post -race party.  This two day event will host the Battle Up Brady Sprints the night before the Bix 7 as well as the Jr. Bix. Participants can also do the Quick Bix 1 mile race instead of running all seven miles. For more information visit, https://bix7.com/
  • For all the Spartans and Tough Mudders in the Quad Cities, on Saturday, August 3rd, you will be able to test your mud runnin’ skills at the Case Creek 5K Mud & Obstacle Run.  Located in Coal Valley, this 30 obstacle course will challenge you mentally and physically as you climb, crawl and trudge your way to the finish line.  A 1.5 mile kids run and a new cross country trail run will be held on July 21st.  For more information visit, https://casecreekobstacles.com/
  • Freedom Run 5K on Thursday August 8 in East Moline, IL. As race director Joe Moreno says, what started off as a dream and a desire to show support for the area’s veteran and active duty Military has turned into one of the areas most important runs on this late summer August evening.  After you pick out your finest camouflage outfit, take your pick from either the 5K or the 5.8 mile double loop course or the Frontline Mile and make sure to bring your kids for the Ground Pounder Fun Run which starts at 5:45pm. The 1 mile course is at 6pm with the 5K/Double Loop at 6:30pm.  For more information visit, http://www.freedomrun5k.org/

  • Closing out August, on Saturday 24, is the 38th Annual Silvis Family Run.  With proceeds from the race going to Silvis Optimist Club, Silvis Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Cornbelt Running Club Jr track, this 5k course  is professionally measured and designed for speed with long straightaways and also has a scenic view of the beautiful neighborhoods of Silvis. For more information visit,   http://www.silvisfamilyrun.com/
  • And all those summer runs leads up to the area’s biggest running event of the year, on September 21-22, the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon.  Spanning over four cities, this is the mother of them all as this two day event offers a marathon, ½ marathon, marathon relay,5K run/walk,1 mile run/walk, kids micro-marathon and the Pump N Run.  As the event benefits many worthy causes, the primary cause is prostate cancer research & screening.  For more information visit, http://qcmarathon.org/

Whether you are a fair weathered runner, a medal collector, a no-toe nailed veteran or a newbie, the Quad Cities offers a vast array of races and events for you to pick from in the upcoming months.  So ditch the snow boots for some new shoes, grab a friend or two and remember this quote before you get to the starting line; Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must but you cant finish a race that you don’t start.

Facebook Comments

Advertisements