Event Description

Now in its 6th year, the 2019 Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Marathon Brewing has become the "must do" event of the running community in central Illinois. The Marathon course will again encompass the scenery of the Illinois River, the neighborhoods of Ottawa and the rolling landscapes in and around Starved Rock State Park. Runners will be inspired by the scenery of rolling country hills and natural rock formations tucked into heavily wooded areas created by the Illinois River thousands of years ago. Also, this record eligible marathon course has 16 aide stations with GU at one aid station and Gatorade at each station. Runners participating in the Half Marathon, which starts in the heart of Starved Rock State Park will also experience the neighborhoods of Ottawa in addition to wooded scenery and sites along the Illinois River. The Half Marathon is a flat, fast course making for a nice run through country and city alike. Each runner will receive a participant shirt and finishers receive a race specific medal which will be the fifth in the series.

Continuing on in 2018 will be The Run Starved Rock 5K presented by Ottawa Savings Bank.  This event will start and end at the same lines as the marathon, and following part of the marathon route before heading back to Ottawa for a finish along the river.  The event is a great addition for those who want to participate in the events of the day as well as family/friends looking to do something while their loved one or friend is running anohter race.  A portion of this event will benefit local charities and events to promote running and physical activity.  

Again this year, Walmart will be our Expo Sponsor, the Health expo/packet pickup will be held from Noon - 8PM on Friday May 10th, 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.  

Event details and schedule

Friday May 10th - 

Walmart Health Expo / Packet Pickup - Noon -8PM 

       Knights of Columbus Hall, 401 W. Main Street, Ottawa, IL

Saturday May 11th - 

Half Marathon Bus transportation to start line - 5:30AM - 6:45AM

Marathon starts - 7:00AM

Run Starved Rock Country 5K starts - 7:10AM

Half Marathon Starts (inside Starved Rock State Park) - 7:30AM

Block party and finish line events  - 8:00AM - 2PM

For more information regarding race and event schedules, please click here