An iconic event: Rock Valley Physical Therapy excited to again be a sponsor of the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon’s five-person relay

Iconic… 

One easy, upfront word to describe what the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon has become. 

It has, in a first-class manner, stood the test of time. For 28 years, it has played an engaging, caring, and philanthropic role while enhancing the health and well-being of the community it calls home. 

The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon is five races, four cities, three bridges, two states, one historic island, and a lifetime of memories the last weekend in September (26-27). It is far more than a test of one’s endurance and physical limits; it’s friends, relatives and strangers going above and beyond to share something special. 

“The TBK Quad Cities Marathon (https://www.qcmarathon.org/) is about everyone in this room and an amazing community that cares about it,’’ Joe Moreno, TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon Race Director, said during a raucous, laughter-filled press conference at Bettendorf, Iowa’s Crawford Brew Works, a longtime stand-behind staple of the event. 

Moreno, the race’s only director, who when he could find his reading glasses (they were wrapped around his neck), modestly spent the lion’s share of the 72-minute gathering dodging praise for his nearly three decades of bringing such an important event to a community. 

“It’s always been about the people and always been about the experience,’’ Moreno said. “Always. That will not change.’’ 

Again in 2026, Rock Valley Physical Therapy, a longtime ally to the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon and the Quad Cities’ running community, will serve as the title sponsor of the marathon’s 5-person relay. There are $500 cash prizes for the fastest male team, fastest female team, and fastest co-ed team. 

“I’m proud to be here on behalf of Rock Valley Physical Therapy,’’ said Danny Fleener, PT, MPT, OCS, CMPT, Clinic Manager at Rock Valley's Moline-based Avenue of the Cities (3800 Suite 107) clinic. 

In mid-message, Fleener was interrupted by Moreno and lauded loudly by all gathered for completing (in March of 2026) his 50th marathon, in his 50th state, all done before the age of 50. 

“Over the years I have had the opportunity to run races all across this country, and I can honestly say that the (TBK Bank) Quad Cities Marathon is one of the best; without a doubt,’’ continued Fleener, one of life’s truly good souls.  “And the reason is simple. It’s the people. The people in this room, the sponsors, the volunteers, the neighborhoods, and this entire community,’’ added Fleener.

“There is a level of care and support here that you truly feel as a runner. And I’ll say it openly; the relay is the best part of the weekend. There's something special about five people coming together, each playing a role, encouraging each other, and sharing the experience. Our therapists aren’t just helping runners recover after races, we’re out there running alongside you.’’ 

Selected as the Illinois’ Marathon of the Year for 2025, the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon – a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifier course – will bring to life events both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, culminating with Sunday’s 26.2 mil test, which for 2026 has been dubbed the Road Runner Club of America’s championship race, a huge feather in the race’s cap. 

The TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon captures the splendor that is the Midwest mixing its picture-perfect connection to the Mississippi River, highlighting some of the finest and most beautiful river views in the country. 

Saturday brings to light the Rudy's Tacos 1-mile walk/run, the Happy Joe’s kids' micro marathon, the Fleet Feet Shake Out Run, Treadmill Heroes Pump-N-Run for the 5K, half and full marathons on Sunday and the Active Endeavors Health & Fitness Expo. from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Moline’s Vibrant Arena at the MARK. 

Sunday race day also features the Mel Foster Co. Half Marathon, The Rock Valley (Rockvalleypt.com) 5-Person Relay, the Running Wild 10K-run, and the Group O 5K-run/walk.  UnityPoint Health/Trinity is the weekend medical provider, while NTI is the Post-Race Party (Sept. 27) sponsor. 

And Moreno, like he always has, will be at the finishing line offering all his signature high-five. 

“It’s important to recognize the accomplishment,’’ Moreno said of greeting each finisher. “And it is an accomplishment.’’ 

The philanthropic arm of the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon has always been important. Young people from across the area have benefited greatly from the marathon’s Shoes for Quad Cities Kids program, providing running shoes for hopeful runners through the event’s Charity Bibs Program. It allows runners to join the team of a local nonprofit and commit to a fundraising goal set by the Quad Cities Marathon. Charity Bib runners raise funds that support one of our partner organizations. 

That mission is not lost on Rock Valley Physical Therapy. 

“Giving back to the community is an important part of who we are,’’ said Fleener. “This year our company-wide philanthropic focus is supporting groups in our community that are looking out for the health, education, and well-being of children. We are proud to support organizations (like the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon) making a difference for the next generation. And who knows, maybe some of those kids will one day find themselves standing at this very starting line. Because getting to the starting line matters.’’ 

Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher might have summed up the day and the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon best. 

“When you have five cities, two counties and you are involving the historic Rock Island Arsenal, it (the TBK Quad Cities Marathon) truly is iconic,’’ Gallagher said, the large crowd agreeing. 

Thanks to many, the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon is iconic. 

By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller