6 running events in Ottawa, Illinois

Back for a 12th year, the 2026 Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon, 5K and now 10K have become the "must do" events of the running community in central Illinois. The Marathon course will again encompass the scenery of the Illinois River, the neighborhoods of Ottawa, and the rolling landscapes in and around Starved Rock State Park. Runners will be inspired by the scenery of rolling country hills and natural rock formations tucked into heavily wooded areas created by the Illinois River thousands of years ago. This record eligible marathon course has 16 aide stations with Gatorade at each station and we plan to stock one station for the half and two for the marathon with GU. Runners participating in the Half Marathon, which starts in the heart of Starved Rock State Park, will experience the neighborhoods of Ottawa in addition to wooded scenery and sites along the Illinois River. The Half Marathon is a flat, fast course making for a nice run through country and city alike. Each

runner will receive a participant shirt and finishers receive a race specific medal which will be the fifth in the series.

Please note that in 2026, the course will only remain open 6 hours, which is different than the 6.5 hours of the past. We understand this change might affect some; however, it is necessary to get roads back open in a safe timeline.

The Run Starved Rock 5K will return as well. This event will start and end at the same lines as the marathon, and follow part of the marathon route before heading back to Ottawa for a finish along the river. The event is a great addition for those who want to participate in the events of the day while their loved one or friend is running another race. A portion of this event will benefit local charities and events promoting running and physical activity.

New in 2026, the 10K will also be an outback course along even more scenic portion of Rt 71 literally on the banks of the Illinois River.

The Health expo/packet pickup will be held from Noon - 8PM on Friday May 8th, Rivers Edge event center (formally the Kof C hall), 401 W. Main Street, Ottawa, IL. Runners will receive their bibs (required for race participation), participant shirt, as well as a swag bag filled with local and regional offers and race information.

Join us on June 13th as Spirits Run returns to Ottawa for our second LaSalle County adventure — this time hosted at the legendary Berta’s Tap. Our statewide mission is to complete all 102 Illinois counties, and we’re thrilled to add another LaSalle stamp to the Spirits Run Adventure Book.

This is a relaxed, social 5K where runners and walkers explore a local route, visit a historic cemetery, and celebrate afterward with great people, great drinks, and great vibes.

Event Schedule

8:00 AM – Setup

9:00 AM – Participant check‑in

10:00 AM – Run begins

What’s Included

One cocktail at Berta’s Tap

One small bite to eat (always something tasty!)

Official Spirits Run T‑shirt

Woodie‑style wooden medal

LaSalle County Stamp #2 for your Adventure Book

A fun, friendly crowd and a great local atmosphere

Spirits Run events are all about community, exploration, and enjoying the morning with fun people. This is not a timed race — it’s a good‑vibes run with a celebratory finish.

We can’t wait to see you at Berta’s Tap for our second LaSalle County stop!

Run the Plank

To Support the Pirates

The ship needs your help! Come out and run a 5k to support the Ottawa Township High School Cross Country Team!

• Race day registration / packet pick-up @ 8:00am

• Race start time @ 9:00am

• Course starts at Ottawa High School, runs through the scenic river walk, I&M Canal and winds the east side to finish back at Ottawa High School!

• Certified Distance (3.1 miles)

• Traffic controlled.

• Early bird registration is $30 if registered by May 15th, 2026. All registration after May 15th, 2026 will be $35, including race day.

• Shirts are only guaranteed to those who per-register on or before Friday, May 15, 2026.

• LIVE MUSIC!

• We will Run The Plank rain or shine. In the event of cancelation due to extreme weather there will not be a make up date.

• Water and refreshments will be available at the finish line.

• This race benefits OHS XC Team and a portion of proceeds will go to Run Today for Tomorrow

Run Today for Tomorrow's 7th annual 5K is back, and as of December of 2025, Run Today for Tomorrow, Inc. is officially a 501c3!!

All proceeds will stay in the community and provide financial assistance to community members in getting the help they need as well as a mental health scholarship for local students in the Mental Health field of study. We are partnered with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to make this happen. The goal of Run Today for Tomorrow, Inc. is to bring hope and provide help to those affected by suicide. We're running today because we believe in a Tomorrow where everyone is here to see it☀️

Join us on June 28th for our in-person race or virtually you can run around your neighborhood, on a trail, or on a treadmill, post your results, and help share our message with the world!

Another exciting update for 2026; we will be hosting our very first LaSalle County Wellness Fair! The Wellness Fair is a free, family-friendly event that is all about celebrating health, wellness, and community connection. Please stop on by during or after race time.

Whether your participation is in support of the cause, in honor of a loved one, your personal health, or your personal struggles, we encourage you to participate and let your reason drive you to the finish line. #TomorrowNeedsYouHere

Registration Fee - $20 First 10 Participants thereafter $30 (thru 5/27/26 includes t-shirt)*

Registration Fee - $35 (5/27/26 - 6/27/26)

Packet Pickup will be held on Friday June 26th from 3pm-7pm at Small Dog Candle Co 619 La Salle St, Ottawa, IL 61350

Registration Addon - $10.00 to ship your packet to you

*T-Shirt sizes are S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL and 4XL

The race will be held rain or shine. No refunds are allowed after registration is completed. T-shirt sizes guaranteed for all participants registered by May 27th.

Feel free to follow us on Facebook at "Run Today for Tomorrow, Inc." for more updates about race day!