2025 Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon Donation Form

Thank you for supporting our runners in the 2025 Starved Rock Country Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k on Saturday, May 10, 2025!

Now in its 12th year (11th running, have to count Covid . . . ), the Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon have become the "must do" events of the running community in central Illinois. A portion of this event will benefit local charities and events to promote running and physical activity. Veterans Path to Hope, a nonprofit organization supporting our heroic active duty and retired veterans and their families, is honored to be the recipient of these runners' extraordinary efforts.

VPH offers transitional housing services, employment assistance, peer support and clinical counseling services, a food pantry, an outdoors program, and much more. Your support of VPH ensures that veterans in northern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin can drop into their Crystal Lake location and visit with fellow veterans (regardless of discharge status) in peer support groups and at weekly group dinners in Woodstock, IL, or join our Outdoors program on their weekly Friday walks at a different conversation or park each week. They can receive guidance in navigating the complicated system of veterans' benefits; help finding meaningful employment; access to emergency support, medical and dental care, legal aid, financial aid; and so much more! You can learn about all the services VPH offers at www.veteranspathtohope.org. 

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. The Half Marathon starts in the heart of Starved Rock State Park and ends along the Illinois River in Ottawa. The Marathon and Half Marathon do have some elevation changes, but the scenery is well worth it. 

The Run Starved Rock 5K will start and end at the same lines as the marathon and follow part of the Half 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 as well as family/friends looking to do something while their loved one or friend is running another race. 

More details on the race: 2025 Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon - Ottawa, IL 2025