Mr. QC Marathon shares his love of running

Meet the Quad Cities’ own “Marathon Man,” Joe Moreno, the race director for the TBK Quad Cities Marathon and other local runs throughout the year. We asked Joe to not only talk about his passion for running but also how he’s overcome his own health challenges and what it’s like to manage so many popular road races in the Quad Cities.

by Joe Moreno, Race Director QC Marathon, Freedom Run, Firecracker Run, and Cinco de Mayo Run

Let’s Move Quad Cities celebrates the spirit and determination Quad City area residents take to promote movement and fitness. We welcome guest blogger Joe Moreno, race director for the TBK Quad Cities Marathon, Trinity’s Freedom Run, the Genesis Firecracker Run, and Ganzo’s Cinco  De Mayo Run.

Joe is currently busy getting ready for the QC Marathon on September 23-24, 2023 

How are the 2023 Marathon weekend events shaping up?

With a week to go, our numbers are looking good. After the pandemic, we are inching our way back up and are at  4,000 registrants!

Joe Moreno inspects the new I-74 bridge, part of the route for Saturday’s TBK QC Marathon

How has the new I-74 span worked out?

For the first time in our history, we will NOT run on the traffic lanes. We’ll run on the pedestrian pathway over I-74. It will be interesting. It’ll be much safer for everyone. We’ve redesigned the course to spread things out. Everyone will run over the river except the Palmer 5k and the Rudy’s milers.

What is also new in the marathon this year?

When I started running in the ’70s, there were a lot of 10Ks, so we’re unveiling XPAC 10K distance (6.2 miles), which will be fun. Runners will shuttle from downtown Moline onto Arsenal Island, be dropped off at the start, and then run back to the finish line.

What got you started in running? 

My running started by accident, I never intended to be a lifelong runner. As a troubled young teen, two volunteers from the Youth Service Bureau came to my home one Saturday morning and whisked me away. They counseled me, inspired me, and they happened to be runners. Inevitably, I started running with them. In time I was hooked, started running races, and 45 years later, I’m still running.

How often and how many miles do you personally run a week?

I run about three times a week now. In my prime, it was about every day, and during marathon training, I’d average 50 miles a week. I’m 67 years old, but running three times a week. but my frequency, distance, and speed are less, but I’m still running! This past summer, I also did some triathlons, which is really cool.

How did you become the QC Marathon’s race director?

I became the Race Director in 1996, 2 years before the first QC Marathon (in 1998). In other words, it took two years of planning and coordinating. I felt this area deserved to have its own marathon. Prior to that, we would travel to Chicago, Twin Cities, Indianapolis, St. Louis for the nearest marathons. We’ve seen considerable growth over the years and today have about 11 local QC charities benefiting from the QCM proceeds.

What’s your peak QC Marathon experience?

TBK Quad Cities Marathon Race Director, Joe Moreno

It’s being at the finish line and receiving (welcoming) every finisher with a ‘high-five.’  For some, finishing the marathon, perhaps the first and/or only marathon of their life, is an emotional and monumental moment in their lives. For others, running the 5K could perhaps be the marathon of their life. To congratulate them at the finish line is climactic.

Are there any close calls or stressful moments in your years as a race director?

YES, those darn trains, the inevitable road construction, the dreaded call on race morning that a runner has ‘gone down’! Is it a death, a heart attack, or a simple fall? I take every race participant’s health and safety very personally on race day on your race course. It’s a stress and pressure that most people never experience.

What’s the biggest challenge of organizing the Marathon? 

The biggest challenge is three-fold: First, seeking and soliciting sponsors. I hate to ask for money. But it’s a necessary evil, and you can’t do it without sponsors. Second, marketing the event because the word ‘marathon’ scares people away. We have to make the public aware of the fact that we’re ‘more than a marathon!’, and that there are other distances and elements to the race day, like the 5-person relay, the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon, the 1-mile walk, and lastly, the kids races. Third, a big undertaking is the fact that our event traverses multiple municipalities, thereby working with multiple police departments, a military installation, several bridges, coordination with the Iowa and Illinois DOTs, and railroad crossings. Most marathons across the country have only one municipality and one police department to deal with, we have ten times more entities to coordinate with.

We understand you are also the race director for the Firecracker, the Freedom, and Ganzo’s Cinco De Mayo Runs. How did you get started with these races?

The Genesis Firecracker Run was my first race to direct when I met with John Perez, the founder and race director, over 25 years ago to get some pointers on starting a new race. I wanted to raise some funds for local park equipment improvements, and I walked out of his home 3 hours later with his race.

For Trinity’s Freedom Run, having all our children in the military in some capacity, I’ve developed a great appreciation for those who serve our country AND their families. I was made aware of some local military families who were struggling while their loved one was away and deployed, so I thought we should have a race that helps those military families in need.

My latest role as race director occurred when the Puente family of Davenport, who owns Ganzo’s restaurant, approached me to race to direct a 5K for them. I told them I would do it for one year, and it’s been six years!  The route starts and finishes on Marquette Street in Davenport, right in front of the restaurant. This race has grown from about 400 to 1300 runners.  It’s held the first weekend in May and benefits programs addressing autism.

Talk about your own personal health struggles and how running has kept you strong. 

I’ve had a life-changing experience with my minor stroke in 2013. It’s changed the way I think. I used to think that just because I was fit and in shape that I was healthy, not so! Being fit doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy —  I’m living proof of that. A proper diet is just as important as physical fitness, and together, they make a difference in one’s overall health. My doctors informed me that if I wasn’t in such reasonably good shape, my stroke could have had a much different outcome.

Why do think running has grown in popularity for all ages?

I believe the surge in popularity is due to the emphasis on health and fitness. Running is such an affordable sport. Compared to many other sports and activities, running is nominal in cost. It’s one of those activities that can be a ‘life changer.’ As it has for me, it can easily become a ‘way of life’.

What gives you the most satisfaction as a race director?

I enjoy what I am doing and supporting the fitness community in every race. There is also a real feeling of accomplishment when you are doing it for a purpose or a cause. I am so proud and honored that all of the races I direct make a direct impact on the Quad Cities. TBK Bank’s Quad City Marathon benefits the prostate cancer initiative and a cause called “Run with Us/Shoes for Kids” to inspire kids to run. As I mentioned, Ganzos’ run benefits autism and the Trinity Freedom run’s proceeds support local military families in need. All of this engages and challenges our entire Quad City area to make our community a better place for everyone.

Good luck on September 23rd!!

Let’s Move Quad Cities celebrates the spirit and determination Quad City area residents take to promote movement and fitness. We welcome guest blogger Joe Moreno, race director for the TBK Quad Cities Marathon, Trinity’s Freedom Run, the Genesis Firecracker Run, and Ganzo’s Cinco  De Mayo Run.

Joe is currently busy getting ready for the QC Marathon on September 23-24, 2023 

How are the 2023 Marathon weekend events shaping up?

With a week to go, our numbers are looking good. After the pandemic, we are inching our way back up and are at  4,000 registrants!

Joe Moreno inspects the new I-74 bridge, part of the route for Saturday’s TBK QC Marathon

How has the new I-74 span worked out?

For the first time in our history, we will NOT run on the traffic lanes. We’ll run on the pedestrian pathway over I-74. It will be interesting. It’ll be much safer for everyone. We’ve redesigned the course to spread things out. Everyone will run over the river except the Palmer 5k and the Rudy’s milers.

What is also new in the marathon this year?

When I started running in the ’70s, there were a lot of 10Ks, so we’re unveiling XPAC 10K distance (6.2 miles), which will be fun. Runners will shuttle from downtown Moline onto Arsenal Island, be dropped off at the start, and then run back to the finish line.

What got you started in running? 

My running started by accident, I never intended to be a lifelong runner. As a troubled young teen, two volunteers from the Youth Service Bureau came to my home one Saturday morning and whisked me away. They counseled me, inspired me, and they happened to be runners. Inevitably, I started running with them. In time I was hooked, started running races, and 45 years later, I’m still running.

How often and how many miles do you personally run a week?

I run about three times a week now. In my prime, it was about every day, and during marathon training, I’d average 50 miles a week. I’m 67 years old, but running three times a week. but my frequency, distance, and speed are less, but I’m still running! This past summer, I also did some triathlons, which is really cool.

How did you become the QC Marathon’s race director?

I became the Race Director in 1996, 2 years before the first QC Marathon (in 1998). In other words, it took two years of planning and coordinating. I felt this area deserved to have its own marathon. Prior to that, we would travel to Chicago, Twin Cities, Indianapolis, St. Louis for the nearest marathons. We’ve seen considerable growth over the years and today have about 11 local QC charities benefiting from the QCM proceeds.

What’s your peak QC Marathon experience?

TBK Quad Cities Marathon Race Director, Joe Moreno

It’s being at the finish line and receiving (welcoming) every finisher with a ‘high-five.’  For some, finishing the marathon, perhaps the first and/or only marathon of their life, is an emotional and monumental moment in their lives. For others, running the 5K could perhaps be the marathon of their life. To congratulate them at the finish line is climactic.

Are there any close calls or stressful moments in your years as a race director?

YES, those darn trains, the inevitable road construction, the dreaded call on race morning that a runner has ‘gone down’! Is it a death, a heart attack, or a simple fall? I take every race participant’s health and safety very personally on race day on your race course. It’s a stress and pressure that most people never experience.

What’s the biggest challenge of organizing the Marathon? 

The biggest challenge is three-fold: First, seeking and soliciting sponsors. I hate to ask for money. But it’s a necessary evil, and you can’t do it without sponsors. Second, marketing the event because the word ‘marathon’ scares people away. We have to make the public aware of the fact that we’re ‘more than a marathon!’, and that there are other distances and elements to the race day, like the 5-person relay, the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon, the 1-mile walk, and lastly, the kids races. Third, a big undertaking is the fact that our event traverses multiple municipalities, thereby working with multiple police departments, a military installation, several bridges, coordination with the Iowa and Illinois DOTs, and railroad crossings. Most marathons across the country have only one municipality and one police department to deal with, we have ten times more entities to coordinate with.

We understand you are also the race director for the Firecracker, the Freedom, and Ganzo’s Cinco De Mayo Runs. How did you get started with these races?

The Genesis Firecracker Run was my first race to direct when I met with John Perez, the founder and race director, over 25 years ago to get some pointers on starting a new race. I wanted to raise some funds for local park equipment improvements, and I walked out of his home 3 hours later with his race.

For Trinity’s Freedom Run, having all our children in the military in some capacity, I’ve developed a great appreciation for those who serve our country AND their families. I was made aware of some local military families who were struggling while their loved one was away and deployed, so I thought we should have a race that helps those military families in need.

My latest role as race director occurred when the Puente family of Davenport, who owns Ganzo’s restaurant, approached me to race to direct a 5K for them. I told them I would do it for one year, and it’s been six years!  The route starts and finishes on Marquette Street in Davenport, right in front of the restaurant. This race has grown from about 400 to 1300 runners.  It’s held the first weekend in May and benefits programs addressing autism.

Talk about your own personal health struggles and how running has kept you strong. 

I’ve had a life-changing experience with my minor stroke in 2013. It’s changed the way I think. I used to think that just because I was fit and in shape that I was healthy, not so! Being fit doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy —  I’m living proof of that. A proper diet is just as important as physical fitness, and together, they make a difference in one’s overall health. My doctors informed me that if I wasn’t in such reasonably good shape, my stroke could have had a much different outcome.

Why do think running has grown in popularity for all ages?

I believe the surge in popularity is due to the emphasis on health and fitness. Running is such an affordable sport. Compared to many other sports and activities, running is nominal in cost. It’s one of those activities that can be a ‘life changer.’ As it has for me, it can easily become a ‘way of life’.

What gives you the most satisfaction as a race director?

I enjoy what I am doing and supporting the fitness community in every race. There is also a real feeling of accomplishment when you are doing it for a purpose or a cause. I am so proud and honored that all of the races I direct make a direct impact on the Quad Cities. TBK Bank’s Quad City Marathon benefits the prostate cancer initiative and a cause called “Run with Us/Shoes for Kids” to inspire kids to run. As I mentioned, Ganzos’ run benefits autism and the Trinity Freedom run’s proceeds support local military families in need. All of this engages and challenges our entire Quad City area to make our community a better place for everyone.

Good luck on September 23rd!!