Saturday, March 20, 2021 • Alton, IL • Course Map
Note: The 2021 race has been cancelled.
The land known as the “Riverbend Region” of southwestern Missouri — where the big, wide rivers of the Missouri, Illinois and the Mississippi come together — is the setting for the Alton Half Marathon, which is set for its 10th annual running this year along a course that hugs the riverbank of the Mississippi.
From the starting line at Alton’s Riverfront Park — which lies just a few blocks from the offices of the Alton Telegraph newspaper, the race’s organizer and sponsor — runners head out on an out-and-back course that keeps them in view of the waters of the Mississippi flowing by for nearly the entire race.
Some of the race’s most scenic views are expected in the early going, when runners cross the Clark Bridge over the river and head into Missouri.
Once across the river, the route then turns onto Riverlands Way and brings runners around the edges of the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a 3,700-acre wetlands area and natural preserve that is home to a wide range of rare migratory birds, waterfowl and raptors throughout the year.
Once runners reach the turnaround point along Riverlands Way before reaching the intersection with Red School Road, they then head back along the route they’ve just run, and back across the bridge into Illinois for the second half of the route.
The next section unfolds as a long, out-and-back stretch, first out along Berm Highway and then back, after the turn at Lock and Dam Way, on the bike path along the levee, the Madison County Transit Confluence Trail.
Runners then meet back up with Boat Launch Road after crossing under the bridge, and then make their way back into Riverfront Park for the race finish. Walkers are welcome to take part in the race, organizers add, as long as they can maintain at least a 16-minute-per-mile pace; the course will close after 3 3/4 hours.
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled along a bend in the mighty Mississippi River here in the southwestern corner of Illinois, just over 20 miles north of downtown St. Louis, Mo., Alton typically sees cool and occasionally quite cold weather in March, when average monthly temperatures range between 55°F and 36°F.
On the day of the race (March 20), the average low is 37°F and the average high is 56°F.
Past Results
- 2019 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2018 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2017 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2016 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Alton Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Alton Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Alton Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 8:00 AM – half marathon
- 8:10 AM – 5K
Fees
- $50 – $80 for the half marathon
- $15 – $35 for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2020 running of the Alton Half Marathon or 5K race, visit the event website below.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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