Starved Rock Country Marathon
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Run Starved Rock Country
The Starved Rock Country races take place in Ottawa, Illinois, each year on the second Saturday in May. The event includes multiple distance options and runs from downtown Ottawa into the nearby park and river corridor.
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
The course leaves downtown Ottawa and follows sections along the Illinois River before entering Starved Rock State Park. Within the park the route uses trails that pass sandstone bluffs, natural rock formations, and sections with noticeable elevation change. The setting combines local streets with park trails and river views.
Logistics for the event include a packet pickup and expo on the Friday before race day at the Ottawa YMCA and additional packet pickup on the morning of the races at JJR Fitness. Buses transport runners from the finish area to the half marathon start inside Starved Rock State Park; there is no bus service back to the park after the race. A gear check is available on race day. Course maps are provided for each distance.
A post-race gathering takes place at the Lone Buffalo at Tangled Roots Brewing Company in Ottawa. The event is organized annually and lists schedules, course maps, and participant information for each year. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
