Quad Cities Running Festival 2026
The Quad Cities Running Festival 2026 takes place on Monday, May 25, 2026, in the Quad Cities area, spanning from Port Byron to East Moline, Illinois. Held on Memorial Day, the event features a variety of road races including a half marathon, a 5K, and a kids' run. Participants can expect typical late-May weather in East Moline, which often includes mild temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit, though humidity and occasional spring showers are possible. The festival offers point-to-point courses that showcase local neighborhoods and the scenic Mississippi River corridor, concluding with a post-race atmosphere at Midwest Ale Works.
What race distances and categories are available?
- →Half Marathon: A point-to-point road course starting in Port Byron and finishing in East Moline.
- →5K: A point-to-point road course starting near Empire Park and finishing in East Moline.
- →Kids ½ Mile Run: A short course located at The Rust Belt in East Moline.
What is the event schedule and start times?
- →Half Marathon Gun Time: 7:00 AM
- →5K Gun Time: 7:30 AM
- →Kids ½ Mile Run Start Time: 10:00 AM
How much does the kids' race cost?
- →Kids ½ Mile Run: FREE (sponsored by Jim Schoeck, Modern Woodmen)
What are the course details for the Half Marathon and 5K?
- →Half Marathon Route: Starts by the big bicycle statue between Cherry and Linn St in Port Byron, IL, and finishes at Midwest Ale Works. The route can be viewed on Strava ↗.
- →Half Marathon Aid Stations: Located at Miles 3, 5, 7, 8.5, 9, and 11.5.
- →5K Route: Starts at the Hampton Heritage Center near Empire Park and finishes at Midwest Ale Works. The route can be viewed on Strava ↗.
- →5K Aid Stations: A single station is located at Mile 1.5 (Beacon Harbor).
What shuttle service options are provided?
- →Shuttle Pickup Location: East Moline Glass Parking Lot at The Rust Belt complex.
- →Half Marathon Shuttle: Departs Rust Belt at 5:45 AM; arrives at Port Byron start at 6:10 AM.
- →5K Shuttle: Departs Rust Belt at 6:45 AM; arrives at Empire Park start at 7:00 AM.
- →Shuttle Cost: $10 per person (a racing bib is required to board).
- →Shuttle Capacity and Restrictions:
• Capacity is capped at 144 runners per race per shuttle page (advance registration is required).
• No shuttle passes are sold on race day.
• Dogs and strollers are not permitted on the shuttle.