DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 12, 2024) – The Quad-City Times Bix 7 held its annual press conference this week, highlighting many new, exciting things taking place for its 50th year, as well as returning favorites.
• Race week begins with the unveiling of a statue of Karl Ungurean on July 22. Karl was one of the race’s five race directors and founder of Cornbelt Running Club. The Bix 7 can’t think of a better way to start their 50th year than to celebrate Karl and his impact on our running community.
• On July 23, the inaugural Senior Bix, sponsored by new sponsor, The Bechtel Trust, will take place along the picturesque Mississippi River. A 1.5 mile out and back course, all runners and walkers 50 years and older who register for the Bix 7 or Quick Bix gain FREE entry into this new Senior Bix race. The community can cheer on these seasoned participants, and enjoy live music, food and drinks.
• July 25 features the opening of the Running Wild Sport and Fitness Expo, held at the RiverCenter. The exciting Genesis Sports Medicine Brady Street Sprints take place at 7 pm on Brady Street hill.
• The Arconic Jr Bix takes place on July 26 at 6 pm. All children 0-12 are encouraged to register and participate in their own Go for the Gold race.
• On July 27, Davenport is the place to be.
- Participants can decide race morning if they want to complete the Quad-City Times Bix 7 or the Prairie Farms Quick Bix.
- Our Start Line is sponsored by Genesis Health System, our NEW and Exclusive Diamond sponsor.
- The four greatest runners of all time will be on the streets of Davenport: Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Med Keflezighi.
- Over 40 pro athletes will take to the streets, vying for over $65,000 in prize money sponsored by Premier Buick GMC. Every runner and walker will “Run with the Best”!
- The 7-mile race will be one of eight National Championships for the Road Runners Club of America in 2024.
- Bix 7 is a member of the Professional Road Running Organization Circuit, drawing a competitive field of elite runners to the event.
There are many races-within-a-race on July 27
- Russell Group proudly sponsors the Beat the Elite competition. Look for the reveal of the Beat the Elite athlete in June.
- Caesars Sportsbook sponsors the competitive Team Challenge
- The High School Challenge, sponsored by Premier Buick GMC Dealers
- The All-City Challenge, sponsored by Scott County Regional Authority
- Local First Responders participate in the First Responders’ Challenge, brought to you by Premier Buick GMC Dealers
Participants who register by April 30 can personalize their race bib, making their race day even more special.
The City of Davenport elevated their sponsorship to the Gold Medal level and are the new host of race week events. Mayor Matson will sign a Proclamation, announcing July 22-27 as Bix 7 week.
Keurig Dr. Pepper signed on as a new Gold Medal sponsor for 2024, as the rehydration sponsor.
This week, John Deere joined our group of Gold Medal sponsors and are excited to support the Bix 7 organization.
Participants can train to Run with the Best at the Iowa American Water Bix @ 6 training runs, held on a secure course June 13, 20, 27 and July 11.
This magnificent event owes its continuing success to their Title, Diamond, Platinum, Gold Medal and Contributing sponsors. Nine sponsors have been with us over 30 years.
TITLE SPONSOR
Quad-City Times
DIAMOND
Genesis Health System – sponsor of the Start Line, Genesis Walk and all race volunteers
PLATINUM
Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf – Official Host Hotel, sponsor of the Caesar Rewards Military division and the Caesars Sportsbook Team Competition
Russell Group – sponsor of Beat the Elite
Premier Buick GMC – sponsor of Elite prize money, High School Challenge and First Responder’s Challenge
Scott County Regional Authority – sponsor of the All-City Challenge
TAG – 50th Year Branding and Marketing
GOLD MEDAL
Arconic – sponsor of the Jr Bix
The Bechtel Trust – sponsor of the Sr Bix
City of Davenport – host city and sponsor of hospitality
Genesis Sports Medicine – sponsor of the Brady Street Sprints
Iowa American Water – sponsor of the Bix @ 6 training runs
John Deere – sponsor of the Bix 7 International athletes
Keurig/Dr. Paper – official rehydration sponsor
KWQC – official Television partner
MidAmerican Energy – sponsor of renewable energy
Prairie Farms – sponsor of the Quick Bix, Chronotrack timing and the Finish Line Stretch
Running Wild – sponsor of the Expo and Packet Pick Up
Walmart – sponsor of the Post Race Party
CONTRIBUTING
3M Cordova
7G Distributing
Cedar Graphics
Chick-fil-A
Cornbelt Running Club
Expressions Jewelers
GreenState Credit Union
Hahn Ready Mix
Lopiez
Mari Sekharan Scholarship Fund
Mel Foster Co.
Quad Cities River Bandits
Rick McGrath Scholarship
RotoRooter/Enviromark
Ruby’s Beer, Bikes,Brats
St. Ambrose University
Tyson
Victory Store
Visit Quad Cities
Whitey’s Ice Cream
YMCA of the Mississippi Valley
The 50th annual Quad-Cities Times Bix 7 will continue its tradition of giving back to the community. The charity partner for 2024 is Genesis Outpatient Pediatric Therapy (GOPEDS). Dollars raised will help GOPEDS therapists to provide physical, speech and occupational therapy for children in the Quad Cities.
For more information about these events and the link to register, visit to Bix7.com.
