MOLINE, Ill. — The QC Marathon is almost here, and approximately 4,500 runners are expected to tackle six races that'll take them to both sides of the Mississippi River this weekend.
However, some runners may find themselves getting a bit wet on Sunday when rain and thunderstorms are expected. News 8 spoke to Race Director Joe Moreno, and he's confident that the race will be able to continue.
"It's gonna be more work on our part, covering up the electronic devices, all the clocks, the digital clocks, this and that. But you know what? We'll be ready for that. We've done it before, and races go on rain or shine," Moreno said.
If there's lightning in the morning, the race could be delayed. Otherwise, it will go on as normal.
Organizers are also prepared for trains, too. Last year, a train stopped about 200 runners in their tracks when it passed by Modern Woodmen Park in the middle of a race.
RELATED: Train delays Quad Cities Marathon mid-race: How race coordinators accounted for timing issues
"We communicate with the railroads, we ask for their support, but they have their own schedule, they work on their own timelines, and we have to work around them," Moreno said.
Organizers adjusted those runners' times, and they're ready to do it again this year. The railroad won't delay trains during the marathon, but times will be adjusted right at the crossing.
Even if the runners get a little wet, it's still a scenic way to try to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
"A Boston qualifier is good, the beauty of our course is exceptional, and you know what, that's why they pick us," Moreno said.
Here's a breakdown of everything in store for the weekend:
Saturday, Sept. 21
- 7:30 a.m. - Yoga and stretching session at Bass Street Landing
- 8 a.m. - Fleet Feet Shake-Out Run in front of the Stoney Creek Inn/Bass Street Landing
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Active Endeavors Health & Fitness Expo & packet pickup at 101 18th Street, Moline, IL 61265
- New location at the Stoney Creek Inn
- 40 booths featuring health and fitness products and information.
- Official race merchandise sales.
- Race Registration for Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1 Mile Run & Walk, Pump N' Run.
- Race Registration for Happy Joe's Micromarathon Kids Races.
- Packet Pickup (There is no packet pickup the day of the race; you must get it on Saturday)
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Treadmill Heroes Pump N' Run for the 5K
- 10 a.m. - Rudy’s Tacos one-mile walk/run
- 12-3 p.m. - Speaker’s Series begins at the Expo
Sunday, Sept. 22
- 7 a.m. - Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay Race Start Time near the John Deere Commons and Vibrant Arena at The Mark
- 7:15 a.m. - 5K Start Time
- 7:15 a.m. - 10K Start Time
- 9 a.m. - Awards for Palmer 5k Run/Walk (Top 3 Overall M/F presented on main stage**)
- 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Showers will be available at the YMCA Boat House by the river on 18th Street
- 10 a.m. - Awards for Mel Foster Half Marathon
- 11 a.m. - Awards for XPAC 10K
- 11:15 a.m. - Awards for TBK Bank Marathon
- 11:25 a.m. - Rock Valley Physical Therapy 5-Person Relay - Overall Fastest Team Award presented on main stage
- 11:30 a.m. - Awards for Treadmill Heroes Half Marathon Pump ‘n Run
- 11:30 a.m. - Awards for Treadmill Heroes 5k Run/Walk Pump ‘n Run
- 11:30 a.m. - Awards for Treadmill Heroes Marathon Pump ‘n Run
You can find a map of all the events and stations around the marathon grounds below.
