Moving Forward Together: The Legendary Steamboat Classic Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

ShaZam Racing Presents the 50th Annual Steamboat Classic

As the world celebrates Global Running Day, the Steamboat Classic prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in Downtown Peoria on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

This race was created in 1974 by Running Central (now RC Outfitters) Founder Steve Shostrom with support from the Illinois Valley Striders. In keeping with tradition, the Steamboat Classic will continue to be open to runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes of all ages and abilities.

The Steamboat Classic is not your typical race—it’s a blend of community, athleticism, and local history. This annual event features scenic routes through historic neighborhoods and along the Illinois River, paying homage to the region’s iconic steamboats. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual participant, the Steamboat Classic offers a unique and memorable experience that combines fitness with community spirit.

Plans for this year’s event include:

· The Four Mile Run/Walk, through Downtown Peoria and the Near Northside, along with the Fifteen Kilometer Run, with three loops through Glen Oak Park, start at 7:00 a.m. adjacent to the Peoria County Courthouse.

· Unique T-shirts and medals for participants custom designed and presented in memory of the late Tim Beck, a local tattoo artist.

· Pre-Race Number & Shirt Pickup and Registration inside RC Outfitters, 311 SW Washington, Peoria, on Thursday, June 13, and Friday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (VERY LIMITED Race Day Pickup). RC Outfitters, one of the country’s leading running stores, will be hosting a massive tent sale both days on Water Street.

· Post-Race Celebration with Refreshments (including traditional early morning beer and Pepsi products), Music and Awards returns to the RiverFront Clock Tower area and CEFCU Center Stage.

· The Classic will recognize Race Founder Steve Shostrom for his outstanding lifetime contributions to running in Central Illinois.

· The Classic will induct Dave Hoover, the 1974 and 1979 Four Mile Champion and first person ever to cross the Steamboat Classic Finish Line, into the event’s Hall of Fame.

· Longtime Race Director Philip Lockwood will celebrate his 30th year directing the event by walking the Four Mile with a group of family members and friends, including several Hall of Fame Members.

“We’re excited to celebrate our 50th Anniversary of Central Illinois’ premier running event! Since its inception in 1974, the Steamboat Four Mile Run/Walk and 15K Run have been conducted on the streets of Peoria’s northside neighborhoods and Glen Oak Park.” says Managing Director Philip Lockwood. “We’re very pleased to be partnered with ShaZam Racing to produce this year’s event, and we’re thankful for the amazing support of our sponsors led by RC Outfitters and PNC Bank! We truly appreciate the support of the City of Peoria Police, Fire and Public Works Departments for the safe conduct of our event. We’re all committed to providing a great experience for everyone involved – participants, volunteers, spectators and friends. As always, our aspirational goal is to get our entire community Moving forward Together!”

The Steamboat Classic will take place on Saturday, June 15, in Downtown Peoria, and features the 4 Mile Run/Walk and 15 Kilometer Run. The event is open to runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Proceeds from the Steamboat Classic are used to support youth sports programs and organizations.

For 50 years, the Steamboat Classic has been running strong.

And it’s more than a race—it’s a community tradition.

A dedicated force of hundreds of volunteers and sponsors have made the Steamboat Classic an event that impacts our region in a positive way all throughout the year. Attracting runners from around the world and around the block, the Steamboat Classic is an equal-opportunity athletic event, that welcomes runners of all ages and ability levels. Whether this is your first time or you’re going for your best time, the Steamboat Classic is perfect for you. 

Participants in each race will receive a race entry, a complimentary technical race shirt, and an entry to the Finish Line festival to celebrate their achievements.

“We’re excited to see this race get back to pre-covid numbers, and be bigger than ever before,” says Brad Henz, co-owner of ShaZam Racing.

New this year, in honor of the 50th anniversary, Steamboat will introduce a team competition! Runners can sign up in groups of 4 for the 4 mile or 3 for the 15K. Results will be determined based on age graded calculations and allow teams to compete on the same level regardless of age or gender. 

The post-race celebration, awards, and maybe a beer or two, will be a part of the annual tradition!