DAVENPORT, Iowa — As the Quad-City Times Bix 7 turns 50 years old, some of its runners are celebrating milestones of their own.
For decades, runners and spectators have flocked to downtown Davenport by the thousands, and for more than 30 years, Olympian Joan Benoit-Samuelson has been one of those runners.
"You know, it was 40 years ago I was in L.A. about this time," Benoit-Samuelson said. "It’s hard to believe I’m celebrating the 40th anniversary of the L.A. marathon, and now the 50th anniversary of the Bix."
She won the gold medal in the women's marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Now, she's back to run the Bix.
"The fact that I can still participate is the real gift, and I'm just happy to be back to celebrate with all of you," Benoit-Samuelson said.
She said the Bix's birthday is worth celebrating.
"50 years is a big deal in our sport," Benoit-Samuelson said. "So I’m hoping everybody is celebrating who’s been a part of this race, either as a volunteer, or a sponsor or as an actual participant."
It's a big year for more casual participants, too. Liz Swanson and Lyndsie Barnes have been running—or walking —partners for six years.
"I wouldn’t say we’re running it, but we’re definitely going to finish the race," Swanson said. "This year will be my tenth year, so I’m super excited that I’ve committed myself to 10 years of doing the Bix, and then Lyndsie is going to be running for five years."
Swanson said they'll do the seven-mile course at their own pace.
"I think my favorite part is getting on top of Brady and looking down at everyone who has signed up to do this," Swanson said. "I think it’s a great thing, whether you’re running or walking, just to get out there and just keep going."
However this year's runners participate, it'll be a year worth celebrating.
"Good luck, Godspeed, I think we're gonna have a great day, so no excuses out there," Benoit-Samuelson said.