1.) THE VIEW
If you've explored the area in the past, take this unique opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of Starved Rock Country from a fresh perspective.
Lauded as one of the most scenic courses in central Illinois, this trek will take you along the Illinois River, through Starved Rock State Park and into the historic district of downtown Ottawa.
With a variety of scenery as diverse as the course's elevation, the Starved Rock Country Marathon brings you all the pleasures of a hike through nature paired with all the endurance challenges of a major metropolitan marathon.
2.) THREE RACES TO CHOOSE FROM
The Starved Rock Country Marathon now features three varieties of races to choose from: a full marathon that departs from Washington Square Park at 7 a.m., a half marathon that departs from Starved Rock State Park at 7:30 a.m. and new to this years race, the Run SRC 5K that departs from Washington Square Park at 7:10 a.m.
Run Starved Rock Country is excited to add this new competent to their race roster. The 5K is a lower barrier of entry for people new to the running hobby or looking to take their first steps towards completing a marathon.
3.) THE SRC MARATHON IS A BOSTON QUALIFIER
For runners looking to take the next big step or to truly test their abilities, the full SRC marathon is officially a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.
Not for the faint of heart, or the casual runner, striving to beat the requirements for being a Boston qualifier adds an additional level of difficulty to the race.
For more information on how to qualify for the Boston marathon, visit: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/enter/qualify
4.) A CHANCE TO TASTE THE NEW 26.2 BREW
This year’s race is sponsored by the Marathon Brewing Company, and they’ll be bringing along their new 26.2 Brew. Specially engineered by runners, for runners, this beer was unveiled to the public at this year's Boston marathon, to raving success.
Now's your chance to try this golden, hazy ale - combing Himalayan sea salt and coriander, the perfect low calorie beverage to recover with after the marathon.
5.) MORE TO EXPLORE
While you're in town for the marathon, there are plenty of great places in Ottawa and the surrounding areas to grab a bite to eat.
Start planning your meals by browsing some of our feature articles on local favorite restaurants, here: https://www.starvedrockcountry.com/where-to-eat/
If the gorgeous marathon route left you wanting to explore more nature, consider spending your afternoon hiking the dells out at Matthiessen State Park.
For more post-marathon activities, visit: https://www.starvedrockcountry.com/things-to-do/
We hope to see you at this year's Starved Rock Country Marathon!
Online registration is open until 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.
For more information, and to sign up for the race, visit: https://www.runsrc.com/