Every Father’s Day weekend Peoria hosts one of the biggest races in downstate Illinois, the Steamboat Classic! For 43 years, the Steamboat Classic has been Central Illinois’ premier running event. But it’s more than a race—it’s a community event that attracts runners from around the world and around the block. Don’t be fooled the Steamboat Classic is an athletic event for anyone from premiere athletes to walkers, joggers and runners of all ages and ability levels.
The Steamboat Classic has this misconception that you have to be a “fast” runner to take part in the event and although there are those, what makes this event is that everyone is welcome and encouraged to join the fun. How about this for an incentive…there is FREE BEER at the finish line! Yep, free beer, you don’t think I did this just for running did ya? I have participated in the Steamboat Classic for as long as I can remember. I remember running it when I knew nothing about running, when I was overweight, to even running it competitively the last few years. Two years ago I even reached a lifelong goal to place in my age group! I have also run the 15K race option which is dubbed as “Illinois Toughest” and yes it lives up to that reputation. But what I love most about the Steamboat Classic, other than it attracting people of all walks, is the post race party. I’ve ran races all over the U.S and this one is by far the best, probably because of the the free beer (which is pretty much unlimited until they run out…which they always do). I just love seeing all of my friends, of all the different athletic levels afterwards and each of us sharing stories of how out run was and just hang out and enjoy cold ones. The post race party is truly what makes this my favorite event.
This year will be the first year in 6 years that I’m running “just for fun” normally I have a goal of either placing in my age group, beating my previous years time and/or my ultimate goal (which I have yet to accomplish) of finishing under 30 minutes, I’ve always fallen about 30 seconds short. Right now, I’m a little burnt out on running, I took on a few too many fitness challenges early on this year and lost my mojo, so I’ve taken time off from running/training hard but still play to run this weekend, I just wont be racing. This is a whole new challenge for me, to just go out and run and do it for fun, but I also feel its something I need to do to re-find my love and passion for the sport. It’s nice to not have that pressure this year and I look forward to being able to run side by side with some of my friends and just enjoy the event and take it in from a different perspective, so don’t expect a fast time from me this year, its just not happening.
Whether this is your first time or you’re going for your best time, one of the Steamboat Classic events is perfect for you. It’s not to late to sign up, just log on to steamboatclassic.org and register for either the 4 mile, 15k or 2 mile race held this Saturday morning in downtown Peoria. I look forward to see you there!
