Belleville Main Street Marathon

Events

The Belleville Main Street Marathon offers two race distances:

• Marathon (42.2 km)
• Half Marathon (21.1 km)

Event Details

The event takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Belleville, Illinois. The start and finish location is 19 Public Square, at the intersection of Main and First Streets.

The marathon is a USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifier. Both courses incorporate sections of Main Street, which the event describes as America's longest Main Street, as well as other city roads. Approximately 10 miles (16 km) of the marathon route is on a paved trail.

Registration

Registration opens on January 10, 2026, and prices increase periodically until race day. The full marathon is open to participants aged 18 and over, while the half marathon is open to those 13 and over. Participants under 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Participant Experience

All registrants receive an event T-shirt and a finisher's medal. The first 900 registrants also receive a pair of Goodr sunglasses. Post-race celebrations include pizza from Bennie's Pizza Pub and a special beer from Shoehorn Brewing (for participants aged 21 and older). A DJ provides a festive atmosphere.

Organization and Community

The event is organized by volunteers from the Belleville Running Club and Toolen's Running Start. It is a non-profit event, with proceeds reinvested into the local community. Donations support a community food pantry, the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department, and a college scholarship fund for Belleville high school students. In 2025, the event donated $20,000 from race proceeds.

For 2026, the event marks its 10th anniversary, and the half marathon is designated as the Road Runners Club of America Illinois State Championship Event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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