Belleville Main Street Marathon Celebrates 10th Anniversary This September

The Belleville Main Street Marathon and Half Marathon will mark their 10th anniversary on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in downtown Belleville. Both distances serve as the Road Runners Club of America Illinois State Championship Event.

Course details and runner support

Runners will cover segments of Main Street, described as America's longest, along with other city roads. The full marathon route also includes roughly 10 miles on a paved trail and carries USATF certification as a Boston qualifier. Organizers note that the courses suit runners across experience levels. Enthusiastic volunteers line the streets to offer support and encouragement in the style of a Midwest community.

Every participant receives a commemorative T-shirt and finisher medal. The first 900 registrants also receive a pair of goodr sunglasses at packet pickup. Those completing the full marathon distance on the 26th receive additional anniversary items. Post-race festivities feature pizza from Bennie's Pizza Pub, a beer brewed for the event by Shoehorn Brewing for those of legal age, and music from a DJ.

Community focus and local ties

The event operates as a nonprofit with proceeds returned to Belleville causes. Past distributions have supported a community food pantry, the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department, and a scholarship fund for local high school students. Last year's races produced twenty thousand dollars in donations.

The Belleville Running Club and Toolen's Running Start organize the races through volunteer effort. The gathering takes place in the heart of America, a short drive from downtown St. Louis. Participants and spectators can expect the atmosphere of a grass-roots community celebration centered on the historic downtown area.

Additional local running events appear on the Belleville Runners' Club calendar, including a St. Patrick's Day 5K that starts at Union United Methodist Church and a Thanksgiving 5K held at The Square. These gatherings complement the September marathon on the annual schedule.