Journeys of The Key West Southernmost Walker

Quad Cities Half Marathon

Moline, Illinois

Sunday, September 23. 2018

On Sunday, September 23, 2018 I race walked the Quad Cities Half Marathon in Moline, Illinois. It was a nice day for the event as the temperature varied from 47 to 66 degrees with sunny skies and no breeze. The event had 3084 finishers spread with 351 in full marathon, 1641 in the half marathon, 927 in the 5K, and 155 teams in the marathon relay. The course for the half marathon started in Moline, Illinois, went across the Mississippi River into Bettendorf, Iowa following roads and a paved bike path along the River into Davenport, Iowa on the same bike path and more roads. At mile 9 the course continued almost a mile back across the Mississippi River on a metal grated bridge that had a 3 foot wide path of temporary carpets that connected the entire distance. From mile 10 to the finish was paved roads through the Rock Island Army Arsenal with the last half mile coming out in Moline to finish at the same place as the race started. The course was completely closed to traffic with plenty of police officers and military MP’s as well as other volunteers keeping the participants safe and on course. Water/Gatorade stations were locate approximately every two miles with Gatorade only offered at every other stations. There were plenty of friendly efficient volunteers taking care of the needs of the participants. This is the fifth time I have done this well-organized fun event: 1 marathon and 4 half marathons. This year’s event had a very impressive field of elite athletes. The first six finishers all had times in the marathon faster than 2:20, led by Kiplangar Terer’s 2:14:25. The winning time in 2017 was 2:21:40.

Exposition