Starved Rock Country Marathon
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Event Overview
The Starved Rock Country Marathon will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This marks the event's 12th year. The event offers several distances:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
- Marathon - No Shirt
- Half Marathon - No Shirt
Course Details
The marathon course features scenery along the Illinois River, passes through neighborhoods in Ottawa, and goes through the rolling landscapes of Starved Rock State Park. It is described as "record eligible" and has 16 aid stations offering Gatorade, with plans to stock one station for the half marathon and two for the marathon with GU.
The half marathon starts in Starved Rock State Park and is described as a flat, fast course that goes through Ottawa neighborhoods, wooded areas, and along the Illinois River.
The new 10K course for 2026 is described as an "outback course" along Route 71 on the banks of the Illinois River. The 5K starts and finishes at the same lines as the marathon, follows part of the marathon route, and finishes along the river in Ottawa. A portion of the 5K proceeds benefit local charities promoting running and physical activity.
Additional Information
A health expo and packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, May 8, from noon to 8 PM at the Rivers Edge event center (401 W. Main Street, Ottawa, IL). Participants receive a bib, a participant shirt, and a swag bag with local offers. Finishers receive a race-specific medal, noted as the fifth in a series.
The course time limit in 2026 is 6 hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
