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Starved Rock Country Marathon

May 8, 2027 · 7:00 AMOttawa, IL, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

45–68°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

427ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change −33 ft

Crowd Rating

2/ 10

Quiet course sections

The Lowdown

The Starved Rock Country Marathon is run in Ottawa, Illinois, on the Illinois River. The course covers the river valley, Ottawa neighborhoods and the rolling country in and around Starved Rock State Park. The 2027 edition is on Saturday, May 8, and the marathon starts at 7:00 a.m. The course is record eligible, with 16 aid stations carrying Gatorade and GU at two of them. The time limit is 6 hours, down from 6.5 hours in earlier years. The half marathon, 10K and 5K run the same morning, and there is no race-day registration.

Previous edition results — 2026

Course Highlights: 01Starved Rock State Park – rolling country hills and rock formations in heavily wooded areas
02Illinois River – the course runs through the river valley
03Ottawa neighborhoods – part of the route passes through town
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K · 5K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Individual registration on RunSignup
There is no race-day registration; the last day to register is May 7, 2027
Eligibility: Marathon: at least 18 years old is recommended, based on IMMDA regulations
Only runners wearing the timing chip on their bib are timed and scored
Wheeled vehicles, strollers, skates and bicycles are prohibited on the course
Runners who leave the official course are disqualified
Required Documents: Bib, collected at packet pickup, is required for race participation
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
No-shows are not mailed their race shirts or bags

01: Packet pickup is Friday, May 7, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ottawa YMCA, 411 Canal St
02: A Marathon - No Shirt entry costs $110 at the same early-bird tier
03: Sign-ups after April 20 may not get a shirt or medal
04: The course has 16 aid stations with Gatorade; GU is stocked at two stations for the marathon
05: Headphones are permitted but discouraged for safety reasons
06: There is no bus service back to the park after the race
07: Official times are posted on the race website within 48 hours

Questions about the Starved Rock Country Marathon 2027

When is the Starved Rock Country Marathon 2027?

Saturday, May 8, 2027.

Where is the Starved Rock Country Marathon?

Ottawa, IL, United States.

What time does the Starved Rock Country Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:00 AM, local time.

What is the Starved Rock Country Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Starved Rock Country Marathon 2027?

Registration is open. Jan 4, 2027: Early-bird price ends. Ways in: Individual registration on RunSignup; There is no race-day registration; the last day to register is May 7, 2027.

How much does the Starved Rock Country Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon: $120.

When and where is packet pickup for the Starved Rock Country Marathon?

May 7, 2027: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ottawa YMCA, 411 Canal St.

What is the Starved Rock Country Marathon elevation gain?

130 m (427 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: −10 m (33 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Starved Rock Country Marathon course like?

It passes Starved Rock State Park, Illinois River and Ottawa neighborhoods.

What is the weather like at the Starved Rock Country Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 7–20 °C (45–68 °F). Feels cool.

Where are the Starved Rock Country Marathon results?

The official 2026 results are on the organizer's site. Official results

Is the Starved Rock Country Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer427ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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