Sunday, September 13, 2020 • Peoria, IL • Course Map
Note: The 2020 event has been cancelled.
Set for its 18th annual running this year, the Illinois Valley Striders Half Marathon is something of a curiosity, an unusual animal among road races — though it starts in one of the city’s urban parks, much of the race is run through the grounds of Peoria’s Springdale Cemetery, which lies right next door to the park.
Thanks to the cemetery’s very hilly terrain, the race is also challenging and tough — it’s even been described as “brutal” by some past participants.
Starting in Lower Glen Oak Park, which lies adjacent to the cemetery, the race begins an out-and-back 6.5-mile loop course that participants run twice through the manicured and tree-lined grounds of Springdale.
The race’s most significant hills occur at about the second- and fourth-mile markers of the race (which runners will see again around miles 9 and 11), and feature steep inclines.
The race is run on paved surfaces throughout the course, which alternately narrows and widens as it winds through the cemetery. Along the course, tombstones and memorials of every variety make for interesting (to say the least) scenery to pass the miles. To get a better look at what the race will be like, check out these photos of the race.
Race Weather & Climate
Located along the banks of the Illinois River in the central part of the state, about 160 miles southwest of Chicago, Peoria typically sees September temperatures that average between 54°F and 77°F, while rainfall totals average just over 3.1 inches for the month.
On the day of the race (Sept. 13), the average low is 56°F and the average high is 78°F.
Past Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Illinois Valley Striders Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
7:45 AM
Fees
see event website
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2020 running of Peoria’s Illinois Valley Striders Half Marathon, visit the event website below.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the IVS Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
[fbcomments]
