Joe Moreno from the Quad Cities Marathon was our Speaker on August 29 Joe Moreno joined our club for an update on the 25th annual running of the Quad Cities Marathon. Now named the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon, it is a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifier course, capturing the essence of our nation’s heartland with its consistent connection to the Mississippi River and Midwest charm. This fairly flat and fast course features some of the finest and most beautiful river views in the country. The mission of the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon is to promote the sport of running by providing an annual quality marathon and affiliated running events. The purpose is to improve the quality of life by advocating heath and wellness. They encourage runners and walkers of all abilities to participate. Joe gave us an update on the specifics, some of which revolved around the changes surrounding the new I74 bridge. The Saturday morning before Sunday's race, there are activities for the whole family, including: Yoga & Stretching at 7:30, an 8:00 Fleet Feet Shakeout Run, a Runner Self Defense Class, a 10:00 Rudy's Tacos 1 mile walk/run, a Happy Joe’s Kids Micro Marathon at noon, and an all-day (9:00am - 5:00pm) - Active Endeavors Race Expo where vendors of all sorts will be selling their wares. The Races on Sunday include, the main event, a 26.2-mile marathon course; a Half Marathon, a Marathon Relay, and a 5K. Spectators are an important part of the race weekend! He encourages spectators to line course and cheer for all of the athletes participating in the weekend events. He asked that spectators be respectful of race participants by staying off the race path and on the sidewalk, street side, etc. He also was asked during the Q&A of the now (in)famous "Blocking of the Train" incident, where Joe, after having negotiated tirelessly with the Railroad to not run trains on the morning of the Marathon, saw a train coming, and without hesitation, "borrowed" a pickup truck and drove the vehicle, parking across the crossing so as to stop the train. He then had an associate "disappear" with the keys! Trains and runners don't mix -- runners have been known to crawl under and between stopped trains to continue their race! Yikes! As usual, Joe was a breath of fresh air, and as always, an inspiration to members. Thanks for all you do, Joe! |
The 50/50 jackpot continues to grow! You can't win if you don't play! Contact our NEW esteemed Sergeant at Arms, Sam Moyer, for your entry tickets before each meeting!
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