Last Meeting's Program

We enjoyed hearing today from Joe Moreno, founder and race director of the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon, who shared how an idea to bring a marathon to the Quad Cities has grown into one of the region’s signature events.

Next year will mark the marathon’s 30th anniversary, and Joe is still leading an effort that now includes approximately 1,000 volunteers, a 60-member committee and a nine-member board.

Joe likes to describe the weekend as five races through four cities, over three bridges, in two states and through one island. While the word “marathon” can sound intimidating, the weekend also includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K and five-person relay, giving runners of many different abilities a chance to participate.

 

The event has earned recognition as the No. 1 marathon in Illinois outside of Chicago, and this year the Road Runners Club of America selected the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon to host its national marathon championship.

But Joe made clear that the event is about much more than running. Proceeds support ZERO Prostate Cancer, and the marathon’s Shoes for Kids program provides more than 500 local children each year with new ASICS shoes, with school nurses and staff helping identify children who need them most.

Through its Charity Bib Program, runners can also raise money for local organizations, with 100% of those funds going directly to the participating charities.

Perhaps the most meaningful part for Joe comes at the finish line. For nearly 30 years, he has stood there high-fiving finishers—seeing the tears, excitement and sense of accomplishment from runners completing their first marathon, a bucket-list goal, or sometimes their final marathon.

Thank you, Joe, for sharing the story behind an event that has become such an important part of the Quad Cities community!