Sunday, May 21, 2017 • Rockford, IL • Course Map
Note: The 2018 race has been cancelled.
After not running for some two decades, this northern Illinois city’s marathon road race event was resurrected in 2008 for a run along Rockford’s fast and flat downtown city streets and has been going strong ever since.
Today, the race features a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 10K race that unfolds along the major streets on either side of the Rock River, which flows through the center of town.
Both the half and the full marathons share the same starting location — at Davis Park, right along the banks of the river. From there, the course follows a loop route along North Main Street and Illinois Route 2, heading northward all the way to Bauer Parkway, where runners will turn eastward and head across the river.
Once they reach the eastern side of the river, runners then take a quick north-south detour along Victory Lane, heading back southward Illinois Route 251 (2nd Street).
Running along 2nd Street, half-marathon participants will follow this stretch all the way to the finish line at the western end of the Chestnut Street Bridge, while full marathon participants will continue on for another 13 miles, starting with a turn off on Jefferson Street.
Runners — and the races are open to runners only — should expect a fast and flat race throughout, as well over 90 percent of the race course is reportedly flat terrain.
If you’re in town for the race for the full weekend and have extra time to visit some of Rockford’s local sights, visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the largest gardens of their kind anywhere in the United States, and the Burpee Museum of Natural History, which overlooks the Rock River in downtown Rockford. Established in 1941, the museum is home to dinosaur exhibits, a specimen viewing lab and a children’s gallery.
Race Weather & Climate
Set in the center of the northernmost part of the state, the city of Rockford tends to see cool and sometimes quite stormy weather conditions in the spring, as well as plenty of sunny, mild weather. Record temperatures in May have fallen as low as 24°F (in 1966) and risen as high as 106°F (in 1934).
On race day (May 21), the average low is 50ºF and the average high is 73ºF.
Past Results
- 2016 Rockford Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Rockford Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Rockford Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Rockford Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Rockford Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Rockford Half Marathon Results
- 2010 Rockford Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Rockford Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 6:00 AM – half marathon, full marathon
- 7:00 AM – 10K
Fees
See race website
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2017 running of the Rockford Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K race, register online at the event website here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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