Marathons in Illinois are a great chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon. All the races listed in this blog are certificated and offer picturesque views of Illinois.
1. Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon
September 10, 2022, 6:30 a.m.
Geneva, IL
The Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon is specifically scheduled and designed to be the best chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon at 3 minutes under your standard for getting to the start line in Hopkinton. The race is capped at 300 runners to ensure a great experience.
Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon is America’s #1 Qualifier because over 50% of finishers have qualified for the past 5 years!
Temperature, route, and focus have combined to make it America’s #2 Fastest Marathon.
Athletes from over 30 states, Canada, Mexico, and other countries come to Last Chance BQ.2 each year to make their Boston Qualifier dreams come true. You should visit this top race in Illinois.
2.The Fox Valley Marathon
Sep 18, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 20M, 13.1M, 5K run
St. Charles, IL
The Fox Valley Marathon has been one of Chicago’s premier fall race events since 2010, and it is one of the best marathons in Illinois.
The Fox Valley Marathon combines a small-run atmosphere with a big race spirit. It is an ideal run for both experienced athletes to qualify for the Boston Marathon and first-time marathoners looking for a supportive, family-friendly race setting.
Whether you want a final chance to qualify for Boston, a competitive fall marathon, or a calm, fun, spectacular, and fully supported race, the Fox Valley Marathon meets your needs with its 4 flat courses, tree-lined roads, and paths across the picturesque Fox River.
The course starts and ends in historic downtown St Charles, IL. The course goes through scenic Geneva, Batavia, and North Aurora to a picturesque finish line across the Fox River. On the route, you will see fantastic views and aid stations staffed by supportive volunteer teams.
3. Quad Cities Marathon
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
1M run | kids run
Sep 25, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run | 26.2M relay
Moline, IL
Quad Cities Marathon is USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifier route. The race captures the essence of the nation’s heartland with its connection to the Mississippi River and Midwest charm. The flat surface and fast course feature some of the most scenic river views in the country.
The marathon was founded in 1977, so it will celebrate its 25th anniversary on September 25th.
Every race IL entry includes a 2022 Quad Cities Marathon Shirt, race bib and timing chip, runners tracking with QCM Mobile App, official finishing time printed, and beer (21+), food, and snacks at the official after party. For virtual runners, there is a virtual event bag with discounts and offers.
4. Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Marathon is one of the 6 largest races in the world. The Chicago Marathon is part of the World Marathon Major series.
Since 2009, Bank of America has been the title sponsor of the marathon, so the Chicago Marathon is now called the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Four world records have been set at the marathon: two times for men and two times for women, including Khalid Khannouchi in 1999 at 02:05:42.
The Chicago Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label Road Races-rated road run by the IAAF.
The Chicago race is the pinnacle for elite athletes and amateur runners. Runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries take part in the competition! 45 thousand runners, 12 thousand volunteers, and 1.5 thousand medical personnel participate in the event. And about 1.7 million spectators come to enjoy the atmosphere of the marathon.
5. Springfield Marathon
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K run
New Berlin, IL
The Springfield Marathon will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Sunday, October 9, 2022. It is a USATF-certified route, so it is a Boston Qualifying Marathon.
It is held at Danenberger Family Vineyards, where road running is mixed with music, food, and drink. Runners love this venue.
In addition to race awards (medals, t-shirts, giveaways), you’ll receive a drink ticket (soda, beer, or wine) and entry to the music show at DFV.
The HARVEST WIND Half Marathon & 10K were rebranded to allow better awards. The Quarter Marathon became a 10K and is one of the best 10k races in Illinois.
This year, the marathon will offer a “Challenge” option. If you can run 500 Miles during your training for the marathon, you will earn a premium medal to celebrate your achievement and a 10th Anniversary Shirt.
VIRTUAL MARATHON:
You can run the distance between October 1st and October 9th and earn your medal, t-shirt, and other race awards. You can log on to the results page to post your finish times.
6. Des Plaines River Trail Races
Oct 15, 2022 – Saturday
50M, 50K, 26.2M, 13.1M trail run
Vernon Hills, IL
The Des Plaines River Trail Half-Marathon, Marathon, 50K (NEW), and 50 Mile Ultra Marathon cross the scenic and fast Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County, Illinois.
The Des Plaines River Trail Marathon starts and finishes at Half Day Forest Preserve and is a Boston Qualifier race. There is also a 50km option. All courses are flat and fast!
The course runs through scenic lush forests and wetlands on a flat crushed gravel trail free of roots and rocks. All road crossings are managed by bridges or viaducts, with only 4 road crossings across the 50K/50 Mile route, 2 on the Marathon course, and none for the Half Marathon course.
Cool temperatures make it an ideal trail run. So it will be fast — perfect for a personal record or a Boston Qualifying time.
7. Tunnel Hill 100
Nov 12, 2022 – Saturday
100-mile, 50-mile trail run
Nov 13, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M trail run
Vienna, IL
The Tunnel Hill 100 is a great Marathon run. It is held on Sunday, November 14, beginning at 7 am.
The course starts at Vienna City Park, proceeding south for 1.1 miles, then turning north through the scenic Tunnel to the northern turnaround before running back through the tunnel and slightly downhill for 9 miles to the finish line at Vienna City Park.
The event is USATF Sanctioned, and the course is USATF certified IL18001BW.
Both the 100-mile event and 50-mile event start at 07:00 am on the 12th.
The marathon event starts at 07:00 am on Sunday, November 13.
There is a large percentage of first-time finishers in the 100 and 50-mile races. Are you next?
It is an IAU Golden Label Road and IAU Trail Label with Certified Courses.
