The 2026 Starved Rock Country Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5k are a &ldquo;must-do&rdquo; event for runners in central Illinois and beyond. These races blend challenging courses with awe-inspiring scenery, making them an annual favorite in the running community.
Race Date: May 9, 2026
The Starved Rock Country Marathon kicks off in the heart of downtown Ottawa, a vibrant and historic riverside community. From the starting line, runners embark on a scenic journey along the Illinois River, winding through lush landscapes and tranquil views. The course leads participants through the breathtaking trails of Starved Rock State Park, where towering sandstone bluffs, challenging elevation changes, and natural rock formations create a uniquely inspiring backdrop. This picturesque route combines small-town charm with the untamed beauty of nature, making it a truly unforgettable race experience. &nbsp;
There is NO Race Day registration
The packet pickup will be held from 1 - 8PM on Friday May 9th, Ottawa Knights of Columbus Hall, 401 W. Main Street, Ottawa, IL. Runners will recieve their bibs (required for race participation), participant shirt as well as aswag bag filled with local and regional offers and race information.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h3>Runners&rsquo; Joy</h3>
This race is a hidden gem that sparkles with big-race energy and small-town charm. The scenery? Absolutely stunning &mdash; think rolling hills, fresh air, and a course that feels like it was designed by nature itself. Local vibes are off the charts, with cheering neighbors, homemade signs, and that cozy feeling of being part of something special. One blind runner even called it&nbsp;&ldquo;the most beautiful race I&rsquo;ve ever seen&rdquo;&nbsp;&mdash; not just for the ambiance and fresh air, but for the telepathic rhythm of the course that seemed to guide every step. It&rsquo;s not just a run &mdash; it&rsquo;s a sensory celebration. Truly amazing.
<h3>Director&rsquo;s Delight</h3>
Pulling off a race like this in a small town? That&rsquo;s the magic. The director beams with pride at the outpouring of community support &mdash; from tireless volunteers to local businesses that rally behind the event. It&rsquo;s all hands on deck, and every hand matters. The organization itself is a charity that uplifts local races and fuels social causes throughout the community. Every bib, every mile, every cheer from the sidelines contributes to something bigger &mdash; a ripple of impact that goes far beyond race day.
<h3>Why It Shines</h3>
This isn&rsquo;t just a race. It&rsquo;s a love letter to the town, a celebration of togetherness, and a joyful reminder that when people come together &mdash; whether to run, cheer, or volunteer &mdash; beautiful things happen. A great culmination of runners from as much as 15+ states gather in an enchanting running melting pot of energy.
Challenger Yourself Like Never Before.

Marathon - Individual Registration

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results