From Moline to Chicago to Champaign to Belleville to Geneva, and more.
Illinois is a runner’s paradise, offering some of the most exciting and scenic marathon experiences in the country. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene countryside of smaller towns, the best marathons in Illinois cater to every type of runner.
Let’s explore what makes these marathons stand out, how to prepare for Illinois’ unique race conditions, and tips to ensure you cross the finish line with a smile.
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What are the Best Marathons in Illinois?
Here are the best marathons in Illinois:
- Quad Cities Marathon
- Chicago Marathon
- Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon
- Belleville Main Street Marathon
- Fox Valley Marathon
- Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon
- Springfield Marathon
- Weatherproof Your Training:
- Train for Flat but Varied Courses:
- Simulate Race-Day Conditions:
- Register Early:
- Prep for Packet Pickup:
- Know the Course:
- Gear Up:
- Fine-Tune Your Routine:
Quad Cities Marathon
Moline | Sep 28, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 511 feet (155m)
Participants: 563 Finishers
Price: $95-$100
Operating between Illinois and Iowa, the Quad Cities Marathon crosses the Mississippi River multiple times. The region, originally founded as a military outpost in 1816, now hosts this unique interstate race experience. Course markers guide runners through five cities, incorporating bridge crossings that add elevation challenges. The September race date typically provides optimal marathon weather conditions midwest runners prefer.
Chicago Marathon
Chicago | Oct 12, 2025
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 243 feet (74m)
Participants: 52,000
Price: $245-$255
The Chicago Marathon stands as Illinois’ premier marathon event, attracting over 45,000 runners annually. This World Marathon Major features a flat, fast course through 29 neighborhoods, making it ideal for marathon qualifying times. The course begins in Grant Park, winds through diverse communities, and concludes along the lakefront. With an average finishing time of 4:23:27, the race demonstrates its accessibility to runners of various skill levels. Marathon registration typically opens in October through a lottery system, with charity entries available.
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon
Champaign | Apr 26, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Participants: 701 Finishers
Price: $120-$140
Centered around the University of Illinois campus, home to 16 Nobel Prize winners, this spring event combines marathon distance options with shorter races. The course, known for its flat marathon elevation profiles, traverses both Champaign and Urbana. Marathon gear check services and recovery stations operate efficiently throughout the event, with clear mile markers and aid stations positioned strategically.
Belleville Main Street Marathon
Belleville | Sep 28, 2024
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 631 feet (192m)
Participants: 166 Finishers
Price: $50-$125
Established in the heart of southern Illinois’ agricultural belt, Belleville’s marathon showcases the region’s rolling terrain. The city, founded in 1814 as an agricultural hub, maintains much of its historic character along the course’s key segments. The route’s defining feature is its hill profile distributed across three major climbs. The most challenging section occurs between miles 16-18, ascending through the city’s historic district.
Fox Valley Marathon
St. Charles | Sep 21, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Participants: 450 Finishers
Price: $97-$150
Following the scenic Fox River Trail, where Native American tribes first established trading routes, this marathon presents a Boston qualifier opportunity in mid-September. The September race date coincides with peak fall foliage, while the crushed limestone trail surface reduces impact stress compared to traditional road marathons.
Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon
Geneva | Sep 6, 2025
Course Type: Very Flat
Elevation Gain: 372 feet (113m)
Participants: 212 Finishers
Price: $165.65-$186.85
Specifically designed for Boston qualification, this event emphasizes achieving marathon qualifying times. The course holds the record for highest Boston Marathon qualification percentage of any marathon in the U.S at 79.9% (2023 data). The course design prioritizes speed and consist of 8 laps. Located in Shelby Township, the route utilizes the local forest preserve’s protected paths. Marathon pace groups are scientifically structured, with dedicated pacers maintaining exact splits. Historical data shows an 82% success rate for runners who stay with their designated pacer through 20 miles.
Springfield Marathon
New Berlin | Nov 9, 2024
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 288 feet (87m)
Participants: 73 Finishers
The state capital’s marathon intricately weaves past 32 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The course, certified for Boston qualification, presents a moderate elevation profile with 423 feet of total gain. Unique features include the Old State Capitol square (mile 6), where Abraham Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech, and the Oak Ridge Cemetery segment (miles 16-18), final resting place of four Illinois governors.
Training Tips for Illinois Marathon Conditions
Training for an Illinois marathon means being ready for its unique challenges, from flat courses to unpredictable weather. Here’s how to prepare:
Weatherproof Your Training:
- Run in various weather conditions—hot, cold, windy, or rainy—to adapt to Illinois’ unpredictable climate.
- For spring races, practice layering to handle chilly mornings that warm up later.
- If training for a summer race, build heat tolerance and stay hydrated.
Train for Flat but Varied Courses:
- Many Illinois marathons feature flat routes, perfect for personal records.
- Incorporate speedwork and long runs to maximize efficiency on flat terrain.
- Don’t skip hill workouts—they build strength and stamina for unexpected inclines.
Simulate Race-Day Conditions:
- Practice on pavement to mimic the surfaces of most Illinois marathon courses.
- Test your race-day gear and nutrition on long runs to avoid surprises.
Registration and Preparation Guide
Make your marathon journey smooth and stress-free by planning ahead:
Register Early:
- Popular races like the Chicago Marathon sell out fast—don’t wait!
- Take advantage of early-bird discounts to save on entry fees.
Prep for Packet Pickup:
- Review pickup details—some events require photo IDs or proof of registration.
- Plan to explore the expo for last-minute gear or freebies.
Know the Course:
- Study the route map to familiarize yourself with turns, aid stations, and elevation changes.
- Plan where you’ll refuel or hydrate during the race.
Gear Up:
- Break in your race-day shoes well in advance.
- Choose weather-appropriate apparel for Illinois’ variable conditions.
Fine-Tune Your Routine:
- Practice eating your pre-race breakfast on training days.
- Schedule short, easy runs during your taper period to stay sharp.
Conclusion
Illinois offers a variety of marathons, each with unique challenges and rewards, from urban races with skyline views to rural routes showcasing natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced runner, the state’s welcoming race culture and well-organized events provide an unforgettable experience. With the right preparation, you’ll not only conquer your Illinois marathon but also create lasting memories on its diverse courses.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
