QC urged to race to support TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon

New T-shirts, medals, next director unveiled at kickoff

TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon Joe Morenoi
Joe Moreno, race director for the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon, smiles as he talks with supporters during the Thursday, May 23, marathon kick-off party in Bettendorf. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON

Joe Moreno is getting ready for another run. And he’s hoping the community will show up in force for the 2024 TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon

“There’s going to be a lot of moving parts to this race. … We have a formula to have another good year,” Mr. Moreno, race director for the marathon, told a crowd of more than 100 attendees Thursday afternoon, May 23, during a news conference and kick-off party for the marathon. The race will start at 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline.

The event kickoff was held at the Crawford Brew Works in Bettendorf.

Thursday’s event was held to introduce and thank sponsors; show new features for the race, such as T-shirts and the 2024 race poster; highlight the event’s charitable work, such as its Shoes for Kids program; and especially to start getting the public excited about the events associated with the race in September.

Some of those events include a Kick-Off Party from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 18, at Bass Street Landing; a Health & Fitness Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at John Deere Commons; and numerous shorter races and walks for people  who may not be interested in running a 26.2-mile marathon.

A race for everyone

“There’s a race for everyone here. …. I’m hoping we will see all of you at the races,” said John DeDoncker,  retired president of TBK Bank. He was among the race stalwarts on hand to celebrate the race and its sponsors.

The kickoff was also a call to action for the community. Mr. Moreno and others asked for volunteers to help with the Quad Cities Marathon and its many related events. Those interested can sign up to be volunteers starting on July 1. (Go here for more information about becoming a volunteer.)

Also Thursday, Mr. Moreno seemed to surprise some people when he announced that Mike Mallon, the marathon’s assistant race director, will take over as race director when he retires from the position.

Mr. Moreno later told the QCBJ that his retirement from the job is “down the road,” perhaps three years away. This year will be the marathon’s 27th year, and he wants to continue to be its director through the events 30th year, he added.

Race impacts community

But most of Thursday’s kickoff centered on praising Quad Cities Marathon events and their positive impact on the community.

“This is an amazing experience for all of us in the Quad Cities. …. This race continues to be a point of pride for all of us,” said Scott Naumann, a member of the Bettendorf City Council and mayor pro-tem.

Other words of praise for the marathon came from Visit Quad Cities officials. “This is one of our signature events in the Quad Cities,” said Joan Kranovich, vice president of business growth for Visit Quad Cities.

Thursday’s meeting also highlighted new features for this year’s race. They include a colorful marathon poster created by local artist Atlanta Dawn. Race officials also unveiled new T-shirts for runners and volunteers, and samples of the seven medals that will be handed out for the seven races associated with this year’s marathon.

Mr. Moreno urged Quad Citians to get involved with this year’s marathon events because it helps the community in many ways. “We’re all in this together,” he added.

Schedule of events

Here are the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon events and sponsors: (All races start and finish at the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline.)

  • Kickoff Party: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Bass Street Landing. Sponsor: Ecogistics.
  • Shake Out Run: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Sponsor:  Fleet Feet.
  • Health & Fitness Expo: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21: Sponsor: Active Endeavors.
  • Pump-N-Run: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Sponsor: Treadmill Heroes.
  • One-Mile Run: 10 a.m.: Sponsor: Rudy’s Tacos.Kids’ Micro-Marathon: Noon, Saturday, Sept. 21: Sponsor: Happy Joe’s Pizza.
  • Marathon: 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Sponsor: TBK Bank.
  • Marathon Relay: 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Sponsor: Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
  • Half-Marathon: 7 a..m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Sponsor: Mel Foster Co.
  • 10K Run: 7:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Sponsor:  XPAC.
  • 5K Run/Walk: 7:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Sponsor:  Palmer Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Post-Race Party: 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Sponsor: Nature’s Treatment.
  • Medical provider: UnityPoint Health Trinity.

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