Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the races start?
Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 5 Person Relay, and 5K all start at
7:30 a.m. All events start/finish and/or take place on John Deere Commons, 1400 River Drive (downtown), Moline, Illinois. Race participants should be at the starting line no later than 7:15 a.m.
Kid's Micro-Marathon is on Saturday, September 27, 2008. Outside on the bike path on Bass Street Landing next to Stoney Creek Inn, 1701 River Drive Moline, IL. Registration available until 1:15 a.m.
Races include:
1/4 Mile 1:30 p.m.
1/2 Mile 1:45 p.m.
1 Mile 2:00 p.m.
Where and when is packet pickup?
Saturday, September 27, 2008, 10:00 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Stoney Creek Inn, 101 18th Street, downtown Moline, IL. All participants must be registered before they pick up an official packet.
Packet Pickup is held in conjunction with the ORA Expo and will feature many exhibits offering the latest in running gear, shoes, sports and fitness, and nutrition.The Quad Cities Marathon Store will have commemorative shirts, hats, gear, and accessories for sale. Admission is free.
Can I register or pick up my packet on race day?
There is NO race day registration or packet pick-up. Packets may be picked up on race day for extreme circumstances at the Gear Check area at Centre Station-just below the clock tower. Arrangements are encouraged to be made in advance.
How can I check on my registration status?
Whether you registered online or sent
in your form you can check your registration status at www.getmeregistered.com.
Type in your name in the "Entry Confirmation" area. All
registrations are current as of 6/30/08. If you registered after
that date, it may not reflect in the system. Registrations are
updated every couple of weeks.
Where can I stay in the Quad Cities?
View our visitor page for hotel packages for runners >
What else do I need my bib number for besides the race?
Please leave your bib number whole, clean, and neat. All participants must wear their bib number on the front of their shirt or shorts. You will not be able to compete or complete the event without your correct race number. NO SWITCHING OR USING SOMEONE ELSE'S NUMBER. Marathon photographers will be taking pictures of participants during the race and at the finish line. It is very important that bib numbers are visible and identifiable. Please DO NOT detach the bottom tear-away portion. This contains the ("Gear Check","Free Pizza Tickets", and three (3) free "Beer Tickets") necessary for these to be offered.
Please fill out the back of your bib number to notify us of any information you feel would be helpful in case of an emergency (allergies, heat exhaustion, person to contact, etc.). If necessary, Medical Alert Tags should be worn.Your safety is our concern!
Where can I park?
Free parking will be available at The I WIRELESS CIVIC CENTER parking lot. This lot can accommodate all the race participants, volunteers and spectators for the Start/Finish area. It's free, safe, and very close to start/finish.
Are there special rules to run in the marathon?
This is a USATF certified course. Baby strollers, bicycles, in-line skates, or dogs are NOT allowed in the Marathon. Due to the use of the Interstate 74 Bridge, only race participants are allowed. Please DO NOT wear headphones (they are NOT allowed to be worn on Arsenal Island). Although we have excellent traffic control, it is still possible for an errant car to enter the course. We will not disqualify you for wearing a radio, but it is safer for you and all competitors if you do not. Please run the course as marked and directed. We have several videotaped checkpoints along the course. If you are not visible and your number is not readable at each of these points, you may be disqualified. Unregistered participants will be removed from the course and absolutely not allowed on Arsenal Island. Bicyclist will NOT be allowed on the course (only certified event staff bicyclists will be allowed).
Do I have to use/put the Champion Chip on my shoe?
The marathon, half marathon,relay and 5K will be timed using the Champion
Chip Timing System. You MUST wear your Champion Chip on your shoe
or you will NOT be timed. Timing and scoring is determined using
the chip, therefore you MUST cross the mat at all points in order
to be eligible for a finishing time. This chip will be in an envelope in your race packet. Properly affix
chip to your shoe.
What if I lose my Champion Chip?
You must turn in your chip upon finishing. Support Staff members will be available to assist you, if necessary. If you do not finish the race or return your chip on race day, mail it back using the envelope provided ($.55 postage required) within one (1) Week of Race Day or you will be charged a $35 fee.
How long does the half marathon course run with the Marathon?
The USATF Certified half marathon course starts at 7:30 a.m. simultaneously with the Marathon, Relays, and 5K. Same course as marathon for approximately 9 miles then separates in Davenport, goes through Arsenal Island and then and finishes at Marathon finish line. Map here >>
What is the 5K course?
The USATF Certified 5K is an out and back scenic course along Moline's River Drive. The course is straight with a hairpin turn at the halfway point. This event is ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. All 5K runners are asked to gather on the left side (river side) of the start area that allows easier access to your racecourse. Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and Marathon Relay participants will turn right at 3/4 of a mile and run onto the ramp of the I-74 Bridge.
Can I use a stroller or wheelchair in the 5K?
Walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs will be allowed in the 5K and Isle Mile Walk for Prostate Cancer. However, we ask that you form to the rear of the starting line (for safety reasons). Baby strollers, bicycles, in-line skates, or dogs are not allowed in the Marathon. Due to the use of the Interstate 74 Bridge, only race participants are allowed. Please DO NOT wear headphones or Walk Man radios-(they are NOT allowed to be worn on Arsenal Island).
Are there special requirements to cross the bridge?
All participants must have their race number visible at the turn onto the on-ramp to the I-74 Bridge. No one will be allowed on the bridge without a bib number! The one lane of the bridge will be coned for the participants. Please stay in the lane reserved for runners because automobiles / traffic will be moving in the other lane.
Please be careful and cautious.
How many water and GU stations are there?
Approximately 15 Water stations and approximately 6 Gatorade Energy drink stations, some with 'Gatorade Endurance' as well as 4 GU Energy Gel Stations will be located throughout the course. View map >>
Are there First Aid stations?
First Aid stations will be located throughout the course and at the finish area. Medical volunteers in red shirts with white lettering will be located throughout the course to provide immediate assistance.
Please fill out the medical information on the back of the bib. If anyone is unable to complete the race due to medical reasons, or you are transferred to a local hospital, the information will be forwarded to the Finish Line Aid Station. Your family or friends will be notified as soon as possible. Please be aware that medical staff will pull any runner from the race if they believe the participant is unfit to continue.
Are there portable toilets on the course?
Portable toilets will be available along the course and at each relay exchange - as well as start/finish.
What if I can't finish the marathon?
There is no shame in dropping out of the race. Sometimes, it is just not your day! If you want or you need to drop out of the race, please report to a Communication Volunteer on the course. This volunteer will contact the sweep van. These vans will periodically return to the finish area. Once in the van, your race is over. You may not re-enter the course or cross the finish line.
How long will the marathon course be open?
The racecourse will be open for 6-1/2 hours, till 2:00p.m.
(that's approx a 15 minute mile). At 2:00 p.m. anyone who is still on the marathon course will be asked to use existing sidewalks, and must obey pedestrian traffic rules. IMPORTANT REMINDER: There is no guarantee of traffic control, fluid stations, official finish time, a finish medal, or post-race refreshments if you run over a six-hour finish. (A 6-1/2 time limit to finish is approximately 15 minutes per mile).
Course services, traffic control, medical, etc are set to this time frame. For safety reasons participants falling behind this pace MUST board the 'sag wagon' following at a 15 min/mile
pace.
Is there a course tour before the race?
Free bus tours of the marathon course will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 11:30 a.m. Due to national security, the bus tour will not go onto Arsenal Island or onto the bike path. Buses depart from the Stoney Creek Inn parking lot (101 18th St., Moline) and there will be a tour guide to answer any questions regarding the course. This scenic USATF marathon course takes you across two bridges and along the mighty Mississippi.This course is a Boston Marathon qualifier. We hope you enjoy the scenic, flat, fast course.
Is there a gear check area?
Yes. Gear check will be located in the Centre Station Lobby-below the clock tower and open race day from 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. You can temporarily store your warm-ups, personals, keys, etc. here. No valuables please. Not responsible for lost or stolen items. After 1:00 P.M. the remaining items will be moved to the INFORMATION TENT next to the finish line until event concludes. Please pick your items up as soon as you finish your event. Thank You!!!
What are the relay distances?
The distances for the 5 Relay legs are as follows (all are approximate measurements):
1st Leg, at Starting Line, 6.2 miles;
2nd Leg, at Lindsay Yacht Club, 6.2 miles;
3rd Leg, at District of Rock Island, 6.2 miles;
4th Leg, at RI Arsenal Island, 3.2 miles;
Last Leg, on River Drive in Moline, 4.4 miles
Again this year, all of the relay racers will bus back to the finish
line after their leg is complete to complete the race as a team.
RELAY RETURN SCHEDULE TO THE I WIRELESS CENTER:
Mile 5 2nd leg - 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. from The Lindsay Yacht Club, Davenport.
Mile 10 3rd leg -9:00 a.m. and approx. every 30 minutes thereafter
from The District of Rock Island.
Mile 15 4th leg- 9:15 a.m. and approx. every 20 minutes thereafter
from Arsenal Island until all racers have been returned.
Mile 20 5th leg -10:30 a.m. and approx. every 25 minutes thereafter
from River Drive until all racers have been returned.
How do I get to my relay exchange area?
BUS TRANSPORTATION to the exchange locations will be staged at Centre Station. (Centre Station is located across from The I Wireless Civic Center i.e. Start/Finish). The MetroLINK Buses will be identified by exchange locations. Your bib number is your bus ticket. Buses will take the relayers to their respective exchange areas and are as follows:
- Mile 5/2nd leg - 7:00 a.m. to The Lindsay Yacht Club (Near Village of East Davenport). This leg
loads and departs BEFORE race starts.
- Mile 10/3rd leg - 7:35 a.m. to The District of Rock Island.
- Mile 15/4th leg - 7:45 a.m. and approx. every 30 minutes
thereafter to Arsenal Island (on Rodman Avenue).
- Mile 20/5th leg - 8:00 a.m. and approx. every 30 minutes thereafter
to River Drive. All team participants will be bused to transition
areas - No exceptions!
Relay Exchange Areas are well marked. Please look for your exchange areas when approaching the transition locations. Please try to be courteous to faster participants. It is often advisable for teams to wear bright matching shirts, hats, shorts, etc. (If you plan to exchange clothes, have that prearranged with your team members). We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Each relay exchange area will include refreshments, port-a-potties, and entertainment for your enjoyment.
Team Captains of your relay or designated person may pick
up your team-s packet, which will include your bib numbers, relay bibs,
slap bracelet, pins,T-shirts, and Champion Chip. BIB NUMBERS will be
worn in the front. The bib reading "RELAY" should be worn on the back
of every relay member crossing the finish line! FINISHER MEDALLIONS(5)
will be issued at finish line to the last relay member CHIP/SLAP BRACELET.
Relay
participants will hand off a slap bracelet - this is your baton. The
last person will be responsible for wearing the computer chip on his/her
shoe.
Where do the walkers line up?
The Isle Mile Walk for Prostate Cancer starts simultaneously with all the other races, at 7:30 a.m. Please be at the starting line no later than
7:15 a.m. All walkers are asked to form towards the back of the runners at the start. There will be volunteers assisting at those specific turnaround points. Strollers, baby joggers and wheelchairs ARE allowed for this event only. Special shirts are provided for Prostate Cancer survivors. The survivors will also enter the race through a special area before the start of the race.
Is there a race info session?
The Quad Cities Marathon Race Information Session will be held in conjunction
with the events surrounding the 2008 ORA Health and Fitness Expo.
Saturday, September 27, 2008 @ 3:30 p.m. at Stoney Creek Convention
Center, 101 18th St., Moline, IL.
Are there any medals for finishers?
Yes, both the Marathon and and Half Marathon finishers will
receive a distinct finishers medal..
Who can enter the Post Race party?
All participants will need to have their race number to enter the party area. Musical entertainment will be provided. There will be free refreshments available for all participants after each race. Only those participants 21 years of age or older will be eligible for beer. No under-age consumption will be allowed.
When is the awards ceremony?
Awards ceremony will take place at the Schnuck's-Miller Lite post race party stage.
- 9:15 5K awards
- 9:45 Half marathon awards
- 12:15 Marathon and relay awards.
What has the weather been like in previous years?
On race day over the past five years, average temperature (deg F) at 7:30 a.m. is 52 Degrees F and noon is 75
Degrees F.
