Must See/Must Avoid

GO SEE IT

Casino riverboats. You have a choice of three: the entertainment-spiced Isle of Capri (formerly Lady Luck), the huge President in Davenport, and the former paddlewheeler Casino Rock Island. All are dockside. The buffets from the two onthe lowa side drew rave reviews from the 40,000 women bowlers who visited the Quad Cities during the Women’s International Bowling Congress national tournament two years back.

The Mark of the Quad Cities. The 10,000-seat arena has hosted the biggest entertainment and concert names, and some might even be around the QC Marathon date. Elton John played to a sold-out crowd eight days after the 1999 marathon. Later that same month came Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, ZZ Top, and 98 Degrees. Call The Mark before you make your plans to visit the Quad Cities to see what’s available.

Niabi Zoo. A hit with the kids, especially the elephant, Kathy Sha-Boom. Fall hours are noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. There’s an admission fee, with children under 3 free.

Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse. Marathoners will run past it during the Rock \sland portion of the 26.2-miler. Located in the old Fort Theater, it has been producing Broadway musicals for the past 21 years.

Quad City Botanical Center. You’ll run past it, too. This new addition to Rock island has a main attraction of a 6,444 square-foot indoor Tropical Sun Garden conservatory featuring a 14-foot waterfall, reflecting pools with Japanese Koi fish, hundreds of tropical plants and trees, and colorful flowers that change each season. Admission is $3.50 for adults, $1 for ages 8 to 17.

Putnam Museum. Very interesting stopping point. Itincludes a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, life-sized polar bear in its Hall of Mammals, and a noteworthy history of the Quad Cities through the ages. It also has several seasonal special showcases. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for ages 5 to 17.

Bettendorf Kids Museum. A hands-on museum with science and art exhibits. The kids should love it. Admission is $4/person.

AVOID IT

Don’t even think about doing something crazy on the |-74 bridge or Arsenal Island. Both are under the firm hand of our government.

mine; it’s just that mine were a little higher because of the Olympics.”

Shorter also gave a lengthy talk, including an informative questionand-answer session, at the Pasta Party, which featured carbs from Fazoli’s at $10 per ticket.

On the down side of the expo, attendance was sporadic (some say because mandatory packet pickup was not tied into it). And while there were 30 exhibition booths, according to two-time QC women’s runner-up Nancy Stanley of Lincoln, Nebraska, one necessity was missing. “It would have been nice to have some water there,” she mentioned. “They probably figured as runners we would bring our own, but some didn’t. I do recommend having refreshments at the expo.” Race organizers have vowed to make the expo more of a runner, and exhibitor, magnet in 2000 and beyond.

COURSE ATTRACTS FLOWERY ADJECTIVES

Shorter called the Arsenal Island portion of the QC course (miles 11 through 17) “serene.” Jeff Joyner, a dental student at the University of Iowa, took note of the course’s entertainment, calling it a spirit lifter. Daniel Dukoff of Bulgaria, the number two finisher in 1999, took note of the course’s beauty. “It’s very nice, very fast,” he said in his first visit. And relay participants Marta and Steve Verschoore of Milan, IlInois, pointed to the course’s organization.

May/June 2000

“Tt’s nicely staffed,” said Steve. “From the relay transportation to the water stops to the medical tents and the end of exchanges, it was all very smooth,” Marta added. “They have buses going every 15 to 20 minutes. I had only a 10-minute wait to leave for my relay exchange point, and then when my relay leg was finished, five minutes later there was a bus and I was on my way back to the finish line to see my team come in. It was great.”

Like Shorter, Steve Verschoore also was taken by the Arsenal Island beauty. “The river, the golf course, the park, the old homes, I really enjoyed that part of the relay.”

The course begins at the John Deere Commons, now a hotbed of activity on the Moline riverfront, highlighted by The Mark of the Quad Cities, a 10,000-seat arena that houses three minor-league professional sports teams: the Quad City Mallards in hockey, the Quad City Thunder in basketball, and the Quad City Steamwheelers, an arena football team. The Mark has been voted Arena of the Year in each of its four years of existence. With the 5Ks, one-fifth of the fiveperson teams, and half of the twoperson teams joining the marathoner runners (1,282 in 1998 and 646 in 1999), it makes for quite a backdrop and an exhilarating start.

Though the first QC Marathon opened in unseasonably humid conditions, the temperatures were perfect a year later when the Sports Commission moved the event back a week to the last Sunday in September.

QUAD CITIES MARATHON 123

Course Map ©) Moline Bettendorf Relay Transition lowa Relay

Transition

Mound St \_S@

Moline

FINISH START

a ia West Ave Sylvan aa Island Davenport 5 Arsenal s Island a Mlinois

N. Gaines St o ard Ave o g é a 23th St__ Relay Transition = Rock Island 17th St

With the 5K runners heading straight on River Drive, the marathoners veer off after a half-mile onto the I-74 Bridge. This is the highlight of the first leg of the relays, with traffic blocked off for the east lane and snail’s-pace traffic remaining in the west lane of the lowa-bound half of the suspension bridge. Travelers crossing the bridge at that time have become big marathon fans, and the runners certainly appreciate their moving encouragement.

Exiting off the bridge into Bettendorf, Iowa, the course heads right past the Isle of Capri Casino (formerly Lady Luck), one of three gambling riverboats that decorate the riverfront along the way. For all but 1+ miles of the next 6 miles, it’s alla cozy stroll along the Davenport, Iowa, riverfront, passing John O’Donnell Stadium—called the owner of the most scenic view in minor-league baseball—at mile 7.

Next to the stadium, and next up for the runners, is the Centennial Bridge. The arched structure is most beautiful at night when all lit up, but it provides an awesome view of the Mississippi by day, especially of the Government Bridge to the east. It has a swing to let barge traffic through.

After 2+ miles through Rock Island’s historic district—the best of the Quad Cities’ downtown areas with its entertainment and fare—it’s on to Arsenal Island, Shorter’s favorite stretch. The Olympic gold-medalist ran the third leg of a five-person relay

May/June 2000

the first year, and the first half of a two-person team in 1999, and it’s no surprise that both included this portion of the course. “I do love the Arsenal,” Shorter said. “It’s so pretty out there.”

At mile 17 comes the fourth bridge, which goes from the Island back to downtown Moline. It’s a tough portion of the course because you again see the Start/Finish line, but have to turn left and head toward East Moline and back for the final 9 miles.

Knowing that this out-and-back along the Illinois side of the river would bea tough portion to complete, Moreno came up with a unique addition. “It’s said that marathoners hit the wall at the 22nd mile. So, what we did was erect a huge wall at that mile post so thatrunners could literally run throughit.” The wallis uniquely decorated, and runners can hear the encouragement of high-school cheerleaders as they run through it. In fact, of all the entertainment provided at more than every mile, it was the cheerleaders’ enthusiasm that drew the most positive comments from runners.

The course underwent a slight change between years one and two. Because a Davenport Riversance Festival had the rights to Mound Street in the Village of East Davenport, the QC Marathon had to continue on River Drive until meeting up with the Davenport Bike Trail just south of Mound Street. Despite the changes, the course remained certified by the USATFE.

QUAD CITIES MARATHON > 125

Runner’s High/Runner’s Low

HIGHS

Fast flat course

Eye-catching scenery of the Mississippi riverfront and Arsenal Island

Over 40 bands and entertainment groups on the course

Opportunity to run across an interstate bridge

Opportunity (for men) to run on a government installation without a shirt

Appealing T-shirt and flashy finisher’s medallion

Possible chance to run with Frank Shorter (he has participated in the first two, butin 2000 has a conflict, as an Olympic commentator)

ENDORSEMENTS

“J don’t do too many repeats (of marathons),”’ masters runner Rudy Estrada of Milwaukee said, “but this is a great course and there’s great camaraderie. Icome back to my favorite ones, and I think I’ll be back here… . ’’ve run in 65 marathons, and Boston, of course, is my number one. But this one’s in my top five.”

For Nancy Stanley, a pair of runner-up finishes in her two years at the race may put Quad Cities on an even higher perch for her. “My plans are to be back,” she says. “It’s a great race. It’s six hours from my house, and right now I think it’s one of the best-kept secrets in running.”

As the word gets out, the Quad Cities Marathon numbers should inStart and finish at The Mark of the Quad Cities arena, with plenty of parking

Inclusion of relay participants offers a marathon-training avenue

Good media coverage of event by two sister newspapers: The Dispatch (Moline, IL) and The Rock Island Argus

Expo not well attended

Wind off the river makes for a tough final four to five miles

Fickle Mother Nature (warm temperatures the first year; a brisk wind the second year)

Field closes early

crease. That, though, may take a while, as indicated by the drop in participants from 3,700 in the inaugural year to 2,628 in year two. But Moreno says the important thing is to establish a strong base, which he believes occurred in the follow-up race. Now he’ Il be counting on more and more runners checking out the excellent Web site at www.gcmarathon.org or checking into what the Quad Cities has to offer.

Should runners take in the Quad Cities Marathon in the new millennium, they’ ll undoubtedly appreciate the natural beauty the course offers, especially the nuances of and along the Mississippi River. It’s not every day runners get to run along scenery so beautiful as to distract the gods.

May/June 2000

The Bottom Line

We have weighed various aspects of a marathon within a 1,000-point scoring grid. Besides the author of the article, a dozen runners at the race were randomly chosen to score the race for us. (QCM = Quad Cities Marathon) The results follow:

1, HISTORY/TRADITION Evaluate the race’s sense of history and tradition. [Possible points: 30 QCM score: 20]

2. ENTRY FORM Is the race entry form clear, concise, attractive, complete, and easy to fill out? [Possible points: 20 QCM score: 20]

3. ENTRY COST

For most races, the entry fee covers between 30 and 50 percent of the cost of putting on the event. Rate the value of your dollar relative to this race. [Possible points: 30 QCM score: 30]

4. LOCALE/SCENICS

Is the race held in an area that is easy to get to and scenic, and offers adequate food and housing services and nonrace activities for family and friends?

[Possible points: 50 QCM score: 42]

5. REGISTRATION ls registration well organized and efficient? Does it bog down unnecessarily? [Possible points: 20 QCM score: 18]

6. PRERACE ACTIVITIES

Evaluate activities such as pasta feeds, parties, and so on, during the days before the race.

[Possible points: 50 QCM score: 40]

7, EXPO

Does the expo offer a fair number and variety of booths relative to the race’s size? Are there quality exhibitors and good guest speakers?

[Possible points: 50 QCM score: 35]

8. COURSE

Take into consideration the following: degree of difficulty, certified, sanctioned, quality of road or trail surface, adequate mileage and directional markers, aid stations, medical coverage, race communications, accessibility to course for friends and family, typical weather, and so on.

[Possible points: 400 QCM score: 371]

May/June 2000 QUAD CITIES MARATHON = 127

9. RACE AMENITIES

This category includes race T-shirt, finisher’s medal, finisher’s certificate, adequate and efficient finish area, ease of sweatbag retrieval, showers, postrace refreshments, awards ceremony, raffles, results postcard, results book, and so on.

[Possible points: 250 QCM score: 216]

10. VOLUNTEERS Are the volunteers experienced and adequate in number? [Possible points: 100 QCM score: 93]

TOTAL SCORE FOR QUAD CITIES MARATHON 885 points

The Rest of the Pack

Below, listed alphabetically, are other marathons profiled in Marathon & Beyond, the volume and issue number in which each race’s profile appeared, and the overall score each race received.

Aspen Fila Skymarathon (vol. 4, issue 1): 863 points Calgary Marathon (vol. 3, issue 2): 876 points Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon (vol. 3, issue 6) 901 points Edmonton Marathon (vol. 2, issue 2): 814 points Fox Cities Marathon (vol. 3, issue 4): 865 points Governor’s Cup Ghost Town Marathon (vol. 2, issue 1): 795 points Grandma’s Marathon (vol. 3, issue 1): 968 points Honolulu Marathon (vol. 2, issue 4): 906 points Humboldt Redwoods Marathon (vol. 2, issue 3): 809 points Key Bank Vermont City Marathon (vol. 4, issue 1): 888 points Las Vegas International Marathon (vol. 1, issue 5): 789 points Philadelphia Marathon (vol. 1, issue 4): 838 points Pittsburgh Marathon (vol. 1, issue 6): 904 points Portland Marathon (vol. 3, issue 3): 943 points San Francisco Marathon (vol. 1, issue 2): 804 points Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon (vol. 2, issue 6): 866 points Steamtown Marathon (vol. 3, issue 5): 892 points Sutter Home Napa Valley Marathon (vol. 2, issue 5): 913 points Vancouver International Marathon (vol. 1, issue 1): 823 points Wineglass Marathon (vol. 1, issue 3): 839 points

= all iis UAD CITIES

MARATHON

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Letters

TAKE ME BACK

Reading Marion Raycheba’s account of the National Capital Marathon, “Tiptoe Through the Tulips,” in your

right back in Ottawa. It sounds like we probably came in within minutes of each other. But, unlike Marion, NCM was one of the best of my 49 marathons, not in clock time, but in fun time. It’s definitely five stars! I don’t generally repeat my marathons, but I wouldn’t hesitate to return to the National Capital race weekend. Cathy Troisi Senaca Falls, N.Y.

I just finished reading Ron Wayne’s “My Most Unforgettable Marathon” in your January/February issue, and I was absolutely delighted. Ron whisked me back almost 25 years like it was yesterday. What an exciting day it was. What exciting days they all were! I recall so well the excitement that Ron brought to the many races he ran in New England, and I look back and recall, “my God, I was there!” Ron and his colleagues certainly had “the right stuff’ and propelled road racing into whatitis today. Congratulations on a fine article. Gloria G. Ratti Boston Athletic Association

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Marathon & Beyond, letters @ marathonandbeyond.com

HITTING THE MARK

I just read Scott Douglas’s March/ April “On the Road” column with my breakfast. Well put. I especially enjoyed the notion of the Leukemia Society raising money for RRCA. We do want to spread the word that the most efficient expenditure of money to prevent disease would be to encourage running and walking in pleasant public areas. It is funny that we talk about “health care” when we really mean “disease care.” Tom Derderian via e-mail

Once again I’ ve enjoyed another great issue of Marathon & Beyond (March/ April 2000). The cover picture was especially inspirational to me since it showed my qualifying time for Boston and a group of dedicated jubilant runners finishing this great race. Since I think the issue of postmarathon recovery and return to training is widely overlooked, I really appreciated Dr. Steven Palladino’s sound advice in “Recovering from Boston.” [ll be implementing his ideas in putting together a postrace plan for my next marathon. Thank you, M&B! Leslie McClintock via e-mail

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Ey RACEFORSPEED. Ifyourun enough shorter races (a 10K, 15K) while building toward a marathon, is it still necessary to do speed work at the track?

Lars Cline St. Paul, MN

NO. AS a matter of fact, for my last marathon, which was a 2:13:55, I didn’t step on the track at all. I only did one or two Fartlek workouts per week. My favorite for years has been 6 X 3 minutes hard, 2 minutes easy. That way I get about 1K in with each repeat, and it’s 18 minutes of hard running—just enough to develop enough speed for a marathon. I follow this up witha few five-mile races, which I mostly trained through. This isn’t to say speed work isn’t important. Work on your speed as best youcan, butremember you don’thave to be fast for 26 miles. It’s more important to develop that marathon-type strength necessary to cover that last six miles. All the speed in the world won’t help you if you’re crashing at mile 23. Joe LeMay

is one of the United States’ premier marathoners and has an outrageous Web site at www.joelemay.com

DO WHAT you’re used to. If you have not done a lot of track in the

May/June 2000

THE Mark

past, do not get into the habit now. Remember that it’s the ability to run faster than training pace that makes it a race, anyway. Consider running Fartlek in training, running a minute on and off, running telephone poles, varying the speeds as your comfort level allows. Do not get in with a group who leave their peak performances on the track and limp away with an injury. Too many marathoners get injured on the track within a month of their marathon.

Marathons do not happen on a track, so why train on one? With the recovery runs, long runs, and regular one-hour runs with the most important ingredient of hill repeats, you’ll be ready to run your marathon.

Rob Reid

is an outstanding masters marathoner and the race director of the Royal Victoria Marathon in British Columbia.

AT FIRST glance, speed work at the track sounds like a fine plan, but it makes less sense the more you think about it. Longer races, especially if you run them at your lactate threshold, have more to do with building marathon-specific fitness than, say, weekly half-mile repeats. But here come the negatives. First, a 10K or 15K race contains significantly more miles of hard running than you probably do in a weekly track workout. Now, this might not be a problem if