Over 200 runners descended on downtown Belleville, Illinois, last weekend for the fourth annual Belleville Main Street Marathon, which was held  Saturday, September 28.

Winning the race was Jon Yoch, 31, in 2:57:55. Jason Seger, 42, was second in 3:09:36, and Jerod Honrath, 45, was third in 3:10:49. In the women’s race, Mary Kronable, 31, was first in 3:27:33. Nicolette Schnettgoecke, 19, was second in 3:32:06. Raechel Tinius, 31, was third in 3:34:05.

Eight of the total finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon. The Belleville course starts downtown and stretches to the Signal Hill neighborhood to the west and Brookmeadow Estates near SWIC to the east. The race is organized by the Belleville Running Club and Toolen’s Running Start.

Race day weather was a bit warm and a bit humid, but the threatening thunderstorms held off and turned into clear skies toward the end of the race. More than 300 enthusiastic volunteers, a tremendously cooperative city and its police force, and emergency and medical personnel made for a successful race as was evident from the glowing reviews, some of which can be found on marathonguide.com, said race organizers.

“Belleville goes all out for this event. This year (2019) was even more enjoyable than last year. The community participation is outstanding. Like a hometown parade. I love how the various neighborhoods compete. Makes you want to get to the next one to see what they’ve come up with. Organization is fabulous. Cannot believe how many volunteers there are. Every one of them enthusiastic and urging you on. Water and Gatorade every mile or two – fabulous. Well done, Belleville!,” said K. B. from St Louis, Missouri.

“As runners ourselves, we strive to put on a race that we’d like to run” said Sarah West, co-race director. “The volunteers are plentiful, the water stops often, and the post-race spread, food from the award winning Beast Craft BBQ, can’t be beat.”

This local race has been gaining traction outside of the local region with participants from 14 states this year and recognition by raceraves.com as the second best marathon in the state of Illinois. Registration for the Belleville Marathon continues to grow as well, with nearly 250 registering in 2019.

Next year’s race will occur on September 26, 2020. Additional information can be found on the race website at bellevillemarathon.com.