By Nicholas Cunningham
It’s that time of year when Quad Cities runners trade in snow boots for sneakers and hit the pavement under sunny skies. While running is a year-round sport, the spring and summer seasons bring some of the most exciting events to the area. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, running for a cause, or just in it for the T-shirt and post-run beer (21+), here’s a look at some can’t-miss races in the QCA this season.
Run the Rock – Rock Island Arsenal
📅 Saturday, May 17 | 🕘 9:00 AM
Celebrate Armed Forces Day with this annual 5K/10K run through the historic Rock Island Arsenal.
👟 America’s Kids Run takes place the night before, Friday, May 16 at 6:00 PM, near Quarters One. Children can participate in age-based runs: 100-yard dash, half-mile, 1-mile, or 2-mile.
This is more than just a race—it’s a family-friendly celebration honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. military.
🔗 More info: facebook.com/ArsenalRunTheRock
GiGi’s Playhouse Superhero 5K & Walk – Bettendorf, IA
📅 Saturday, June 7
GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities hosts its 13th Annual Superhero 5K Run, 20th Annual Family Walk, and Kids’ Dash as part of the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge.
🏃♂️ Events include:
- 5K Timed Competitive Run
- 1-Mile Inspirational Walk
- Kids’ Dash
🎭 Costumes encouraged! Show up as your favorite superhero and help support families living with Down syndrome.
🔗 Register: gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/superhero-run-walk
Royal Ball Run for Autism – Milan, IL
📅 Friday–Saturday, June 20–21
Kick things off Friday evening with the Royal Ball for All Carnival at 5:00 PM. On Saturday morning at 7:30 AM, hit the streets for the Royal Ball Run 5K and Walk.
This event raises funds and awareness for autism, with proceeds supporting local services and programming for children and families.
👑 Lace up your shoes and help celebrate courage, achievement, and community!
🔗 Details: royalballrun.com/race
Firecracker Run – East Moline, IL
Friday, July 4
Celebrate 43 years of red, white, and blue at one of the region’s most iconic Fourth of July traditions. The Firecracker Run takes place in downtown East Moline and offers events for all ages and fitness levels.
Featured events include:
• Kiddie Runs
• 1-Mile Run
• 5K & 10K Races
• The beloved Hospital Bed Races
Let 🇺🇸 Start your Independence Day off with a spark—and a sprint—before joining the all-day festivities!
Register: firecrackerrun.com
Moonlight Chase – Eldridge, IA
📅 Saturday, July 12
Run under the stars in the 40th Annual Moonlight Chase, a 4-mile race lit entirely by luminaries.
🕯 Events include:
- Kids’ 1/4 Mile & 1-Mile Runs
- 4-Mile Main Event
Held in conjunction with the Eldridge Summer Festival, this unique nighttime race is a community favorite.
🔗 Sign up: moonlightchase.com/register
Bix 7 – Davenport, IA
📅 Saturday, July 26
The 51st Annual Bix 7 is one of the Midwest’s most iconic races. This 7-mile run starts at the foot of Brady Street Hill and winds through downtown Davenport, lined with cheering crowds and live music.
🏃 Options for all:
- 7-Mile Race
Quick Bix - Team Competition
- Arconic Junior Bix for kids on Friday
Run alongside elite legends like Meb Keflezighi and Joan Benoit Samuelson, and stick around for the region’s biggest post-race party.
🔗 Learn more: bix7.com
Case Creek Obstacle Run – Coal Valley, IL
📅 Saturday, August 2
Wrap up summer with the Case Creek 5K Adventure Run and Kid’s Ninja Obstacle Course.
🌲 The adult course includes over 30 obstacles across a rugged farm terrain—through hills, woods, and creeks.
🧗♂️ The kids’ course (1.5–2 miles) is packed with fun and challenging features like:
- Rope Swing
- Mud Pits
- Balance Beams
- Military Crawl
- A-Frame Climb
- Creek Cross & Bridge
Walkers are welcome, and all obstacles are optional.
🔗 More info: casecreekobstacles.com
Freedom Run 5K – East Moline, IL
Thursday, August 14 | 6:30 PM
Hosted at Runners Park in downtown East Moline, the Freedom Run 5K is more than a race—it’s a salute to local military heroes and their families. This community-driven event brings runners, veterans, and supporters together in an atmosphere filled with unity and patriotism.
Choose your distance:
• 5K Run/Walk
• Tyson Double Time Loop (5.8 miles)
• 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
• Ground Pounder Fun Run for kids
Instead of traditional medals, finishers receive exclusive Freedom Run dog tags, a coveted keepsake symbolizing strength and service.
More information and registration: freedomrun5k.org
Quad Cities Marathon Weekend – Moline, IL
Saturday–Sunday, September 27–28
The Quad Cities Marathon brings thousands of runners to downtown Moline for a weekend packed with races and festivities.
Saturday Events:
• Rudy’s Taco 1-Mile Walk/Run
• Happy Joe’s Kids Micro-Marathon
Sunday Races (Start at 7:00 AM):
• Full Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 5-Person Marathon Relay
• 10K & 5K Races
After the finish line, stick around for one of the Midwest’s biggest post-race parties, featuring food, drinks, music, and celebration.
Register: qcmarathon.org
Ready, Set, Go!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing a PR, a first-timer eyeing your first 5K, or just in it for the fun, the Quad Cities has a race for you this season. So go ahead—pick your race, sign up, and get training. The pavement (and maybe a finish line beer) is calling.
Happy running, everyone! 🏅👟
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