From Champaign to Moline: New challenge connects 3 major Illinois race weekends

(WAND) — Runners are invited to "hit the road, earn the medals" in the new I-74 challenge.

The challenge is a new partnership between Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC and the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon.

To complete the challenge, runners must complete all three race weekends in a calendar year. At the end of the final race, runners will get a commemorative coaster in recognition of their journey.

"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 out friends and endurance event colleagues for this new challenge," said Christie Clinic Race Weekend Director Jan Seeley. "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!"

The road trip starts at the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy on April 23-25. The event features a one-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, youth run and multi-event challenges.

After that, participants will head to Peoria for the "world's fastest four-mile race and Illinois' toughest 15K" at the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC on June 6.

The last stop for participants will be in Moline at the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon on September 26-27. It features a one-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, five-person relay and kids micro-marathon.

"This stretch of interstate already provides the running and walking community with 3 amazing events," said the Steamboat Classic Race Director Adam White. "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."

There is no additional cost to take part in the I-74 Challenge. Runners can choose any distance offered at the events, with the finisher award given at the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon Weekend.

Anyone interested can register with each individual event, or opt to sign up for all three events at once using a special, recently-launched registration page.