A race built by runners, for runners
SWPMarathon started in 2013 with 400 people and a hand-painted finish banner. Today it's the biggest community run in central Illinois, but we still plan it the same way: every water station, every mile marker and every volunteer shift is decided by people who race it themselves.
We keep the course flat, the aid stations close and the atmosphere loud, so you can focus on what you came for.
- 12,000+Runners each year
- 1,800Volunteers on course
- $2.4MRaised for local charities
Why runners come back
The details you notice at kilometre 35 are the ones we plan hardest.
Fast, flat course
Only 38 m of total elevation gain. A certified Boston qualifier with pacers from 3:00 to 5:30.
Aid every 2.5 km
Water, electrolytes and gels at 17 stations, plus medical tents staffed by Springfield General.
Medal & finisher pack
A cast-metal finisher medal, technical tee and recovery meal waiting at the line.
Live chip timing
Friends can track your splits in real time, and your official results arrive by text within minutes.
Moments from 2025
Tag your photos with #SWPMarathon to be featured here.
What finishers say
I qualified for Boston here by 40 seconds. The 3:30 pacer talked me through the last 5K and I'll never forget it.
My first ever half. The crowd on Maple Avenue was so loud I forgot my legs hurt. Already registered again.
We did the 5K as a family with our twins in the stroller. Well organised, safe and genuinely fun.
Aid stations exactly where you need them and volunteers who actually cheer. Best-run 10K in the state.
The wheelchair start gets its own clear lane and a real crowd at the finish. It felt like our race too.
Supported by local partners
- Springfield General
- Maplewood Bank
- StrideLab
- Prairie Water Co.
- IL Sports Radio