A trio of signature Illinois road races are promising triple the fun this summer giving runners the chance to participate in the first-ever I-74 Challenge.
Runners can now take part in a tour across the state of Illinois thanks to a new partnership between Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend in Champaign, the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC in Peoria and the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon.
The I-74 Challenge allows runners to “Hit The Road, Earn The Medals” by completing the three classic Midwestern race weekends in a calendar year. In recognition of their journey, runners will receive an additional finisher award: a commemorative coaster featuring the challenge logo. Those interested can register with each individual event, or sign up for all three events at once on a new I-74 Challenge registration page.
According to organizers, there is no additional cost to participate in the I-74 Challenge. Runners can choose any distance offered at the events, which allows for runners of all levels and abilities.
The I-74 Challenge finisher awards will be given at the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon Weekend, the final race of the challenge. This hometown favorite is made up of five races, traverses through four cities, over three bridges, in two states and one island. Marathon weekend is Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27.
“The I-74 Challenge brings together three iconic events that span the state of Illinois,” Joe Moreno, race director of the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon, said in a recent news release. “In the Quad Cities, we are huge fans of both Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and the Steamboat Classic. We can’t wait to welcome their participants to the QC in September to complete the challenge.”
To be eligible for the I-74 Challenge award, runners must complete one event from each of the 2026 race weekends to be eligible. Here’s a look at the partner races:
- The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend in Champaign Urbana and Savoy kicks off the road race from Thursday to Saturday, April 23-25. The event features a one-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, youth run and multi-event challenges. The race has drawn more than 15,000 runners in past years.
- Participants then head to Peoria, for the world’s fastest four-mile race and Illinois’ toughest 15K at the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC. The event is Saturday, June 6. For more than 50 years, the race has welcomed many Olympians and world record holders and contributed to countless marks for the record books.
- The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon – which begins and ends in downtown Moline – marks the final challenge. The Sept. 26-27 event features a one-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, five-person relay and Kids Micro-Marathon.
“Along Interstate 74, you’ll find some of the most beloved and well-produced running events in the country, and we’re excited to partner with our friends and endurance event colleagues for this new challenge,” Jan Seeley, director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race, said. “As participation in running events surges, we hope the I-74 Challenge will help runners discover new events and be rewarded for their continued support of our races.”
Describing the new partnership as an “absolute honor,” Steamboat race director Adam White said “This stretch of interstate already provides the running and walking community with three amazing events. Being able to tie them all together in the I-74 Challenge will give participants an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with new and additional memories to last a lifetime.”
For more information, visit the challenge’s registration page.
