Runners Take to the Riverfront for Marathon Sunday

East Moline, IL · September 27, 2026

Chilly river breezes and cowbells along the shoreline mark the start of race morning, whether you are logging twenty-six miles or cheering from the curb. Plenty of quiet energy is building across town once the starting horn sounds.

The Lead

Thousands of runners are taking their mark along the Mississippi this morning for the 29th annual Quad Cities Marathon. The certified Boston Qualifier is celebrated nationwide for a rare geographic layout, linking four cities, three bridges, two states, and an active military arsenal on an island. For local runners and riverfront neighbors, the course doubles as a showcase of the regional trail system. While half-marathoners veer south toward the Interstate 74 bridge early in the race, full marathon participants push east along River Drive toward our end of the shoreline, passing local cheer zones and water stations before banking west back toward the Iowa crossings. If you need to drive near the riverfront this morning, expect rolling detours through midday. If you are on foot, find a spot near the path—the lead pack hits its stride before noon.

Local Pulse

Avenue of the Cities Cuts Speed Limits Roads Drivers traveling west into neighboring Moline now face a 30 mph limit aimed at keeping pedestrian crossings safer.
Federal Funding Boosts Fire Fleet Upgrades Safety Congressional leaders requested $1.5 million in funding to help the fire department replace its aging 2009 frontline ladder truck.
School District 37 Finalizes Elementary Redistricting Schools Families can review updated neighborhood boundary maps designed to balance class sizes across local primary school buildings this year.

Today's Outlook

High 73°F · Low 54°F — Overcast
- Expect comfortable, muted gray skies—perfect conditions to stay active outside without needing sunglasses.

What's On Around Town

Today

TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon John Deere Commons (1415 River Dr), Moline, 7:00 AM · Free Cheer on runners tackling four cities, three bridges, and two states.
Market in the Gardens Quad City Botanical Center (2525 4th Ave), Rock Island, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Paid Browse regional artisan vendors surrounded by autumn botanical garden displays.
Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire Credit Island Park, Davenport, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM · Paid Watch live jousting tournaments and period performers along the riverbanks.
Paint Nite: Moonlit Bat Jennie's Boxcar (545 12th Ave), 1:00–3:00 PM · Paid Follow guided steps to paint a seasonal canvas drink in hand.

Tomorrow

Last Monday Book Club Silvis Public Library (105 8th St), Silvis, 5:00 PM · Free
Adventures in Storytime East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 6:00–6:30 PM · Free

Tuesday

Movement Yoga East Moline Public Library (745 16th Ave), 9:30–11:00 AM · Free

Spotlight & Story

Morton Drive East Moline officially designated only three streets after individuals, and this busy thoroughfare honors Patrolman Richard Morton Jr. Morton, the only local police officer killed in the line of duty, died answering a neighborhood trouble call on 10th Avenue in 1969.

East Moline Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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