Runners Invited to “Hit The Road, Earn The Medals” in New I-74 Challenge

March 18, 2026

Runners can tour the state of Illinois with Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC and TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon

CHAMPAIGN/MOLINE/PEORIA, Ill. (March 18, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Runners can now take part in a tour across the state of Illinois with the launch of a new partnership between Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC and the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon. The I-74 Challenge allows runners to “Hit The Road, Earn The Medals” by completing the three classic Midwestern race weekends in a calendar year. In recognition of their journey, they’ll receive an additional finisher award: a commemorative coaster featuring the challenge logo. Those interested can register with each individual event, or opt to sign up for all three events in a single transaction on a special recently-launched registration page.

There is no additional cost to take part in the I-74 Challenge. Runners can choose any distance offered at the events, allowing for a customizable experience for runners of all levels and abilities. The I-74 Challenge finisher award will be given at the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon Weekend, the final race of the challenge. The challenge officially kicks off this year, and runners must complete one event from each of the 2026 race weekends to be eligible.

The road trip starts at Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend in Champaign Urbana and Savoy, Ill. on April 23-25, which features a one-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, youth run and multi-event challenges. Next up, participants will head to Peoria, Ill. for the world’s fastest four-mile race and Illinois’ toughest 15K at the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC on June 6. Their last stop will be Moline, Ill., at the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon on Sept. 26-27, which features a one-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, five-person relay and Kids Micro-Marathon.

“Along Interstate 74, you’ll find some of the most beloved and well-produced running events in the country, and we’re excited to partner with our friends and endurance event colleagues for this new challenge,” said Jan Seeley, director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “As participation in running events surges, we hope the I-74 Challenge will help runners discover new events and be rewarded for their continued support of our races!”

“Having the opportunity to offer the I-74 Challenge along the sides of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and the TBK Quad Cities Marathon is an absolute honor,” said Adam White, race director of the Steamboat Classic presented by PNC. “This stretch of interstate already provides the running and walking community with 3 amazing events. Being able to tie them all together in the I-74 Challenge will give participants an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with new and additional memories to last a lifetime.”

“The I-74 Challenge brings together three iconic events that span the state of Illinois,” said Joe Moreno, race director of the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon. “In the Quad Cities, we are huge fans of both Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and the Steamboat Classic. We can’t wait to welcome their participants to the QC in September to complete the challenge!”

For more information, visit the challenge’s registration page.

ABOUT CHRISTIE CLINIC ILLINOIS RACE WEEKEND

Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is an annual running event that takes participants through the scenic streets of Champaign-Urbana & Savoy, Ill. Led by award-winning Race Director Jan Seeley, it has drawn over 15,000 runners in past years. The event made a triumphant post-pandemic return and remains committed to fostering a happy, healthy community in central Illinois. The 2026 edition will take place on April 23-25, 2026, and will feature a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, youth run and multi-event challenges. To learn more about Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit www.IllinoisMarathon.com.

ABOUT STEAMBOAT CLASSIC PRESENTED BY PNC

For over 50 years, The Steamboat Classic presented by PNC has been heralded as America’s fastest 4-Mile and Illinois toughest 15k. During its time, many Olympians and world record holders have raced the streets of Peoria, IL and contributed to countless marks for the record books. As one of the classic American road races, this event is open to participants of all ability levels and offers one of the best post-race parties ever!

ABOUT TBK BANK QUAD CITIES MARATHON

Since the first race in 1998, the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon has become a Midwest favorite. With 5 Races, through 4 Cities, over 3 Bridges, in 2 States, and 1 Island, all within the view of the Mighty Mississippi River, this hometown favorite draws runners from all over the country on the fourth week of September for a weekend full of activities leading up to the big event on Sunday!