Starved Rock Country Marathon

Race Overview

Back for a 12th year, the 2026 Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon, 5K and now 10K have become the "must do" events 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. This record eligible marathon course has 16 aide stations with Gatorade at each station and we plan to stock one station for the half and two for the marathon with GU. Runners participating in the Half Marathon, which starts in the heart of Starved Rock State Park, will 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.

Important Course Update

Please note that in 2026, the course will only remain open 6 hours, which is different than the 6.5 hours of the past. We understand this change might affect some: however, it is necessary to get roads back open in a safe timeline.

5K Event Details

• Start/Finish: The Run Starved Rock 5K will return, starting and ending at the same lines as the marathon.
• Route: It will follow part of the marathon route before heading back to Ottawa for a finish along the river.
• Participation: This event is great for those who want to participate in the day's events while their loved one or friend is running another race.
• Charity: A portion of this event will benefit local charities and events promoting running and physical activity.

New 10K Course

New in 2026, the 10K will also be an outback course along an even more scenic portion of Rt 71 literally on the banks of the Illinois River.

Health Expo and Packet Pickup

The Health expo/packet pickup will be held from Noon - 8PM on Friday May 8th, Rivers Edge event center (formally the Kof C hall), 401 W. Main Street, Ottawa, IL. Runners will receive their bibs (required for race participation), participant shirt, as well as a swag bag filled with local and regional offers and race information.

Event Location

Location: 805 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL

More Information

For additional details, please visit the official race page at Starved Rock Country Marathon.