Okay, so as marathons go in Illinois, they won’t get any more beautiful that this one. This is an inaugural race which can scare people away, but count me in. Take a lookski.
http://starvedrockcountrymarathon.org/
The marathon has quite a bit of elevation but the half is flat as can be.
I’ve been there for a day hike and have to agree, the sights during this marathon should be amazing. Tempted to do the 1/2 as part of my 70.3 training.
I’ve been there for a day hike and have to agree, the sights during this marathon should be amazing. Tempted to do the 1/2 as part of my 70.3 training.
FWIM, a open 1/2 is a good workout that can fit into your plan, but an open 1/2 is nothing like running 13.1 after a 2+ hour solid tempo effort on the bike.
This should be a great race. I may be doing a local 1/2 near me that same weekend, but I’ll just run it at a tempo just above my 70.3 race pace rather than close to threshold pace to work it into my plan better.
Wow never expected to see this race in the post list. So surprised I’m delurking! I’m running the full, I grew up along those roads and I’m thrilled to be racing it!
The big hills in the full are limited to a few miles through the park area. Everything else is pretty minor as far as hills go. But they are biggies! There’s one up the river bluff that s-curves and is even hard to drive. It’s a great ride too. Wheeee!!! 
This will be a beautiful course.
Ah, I too am a local (well not anymore). But yes it is going to be a gorgeous marathon. I have run up the Starved Rock Hills a couple of times for the Super Bowl Run every year. It’ll be a tough first 10-11 miles, but after that its mostly downhill or flat. I am hoping for a good turn out. I also love that it is a Saturday race also.
A small group of us from Chicago are considering driving up to run the 1/2 and then go for for a bike ride around the area. Should be a cool way to spend the day.
Unfortunately I have a play otherwise I would definitely consider it as good scenery runs are hard to come by in Illinois. Below is a coupon code:
Join us in our inaugural marathon & half marathon in Starved Rock Country. Course includes the scenic Illinois River, rolling landscapes and Starved Rock State Park. Use coupon code ACTIVE10 to get $10 off registration. 5/10/14