Peoria is a metro area of 400,000 in Central Illinois. Located on the Illinois River, Peoria is a port, and a center for agriculture center and manufacturing. The scene for running in Peoria is excellent, with an abundance of green space, and a good trail running infrastructure.

A great way to start is with the 5-mile out & back on Grandview Drive, named by Theodore Roosevelt as “the most beautiful drive in America”. The Peoria Riverfront, Glen Oak Park, and the 13-mile Rock Island Greenway multi-use trail are also centrally located and can all be mix & matched. There are good trail running opportunities at Forest Park Nature Center, Detweiller Park, the Illinois River Bluff Trail (connecting four area parks), and Farmdale Reservoir.

Location Author:
Mark Lowenstein

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Peoria has a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. In winter, daytime temps hover around freezing and lows are in the high teens (-8C). It can be icy, with 27 inches of average annual snowfall.

Summer high temperatures are mid-to-high 80sF (30C), with warm nights. The 38 inches (954mm) of annual rainfall are fairly well spread throughout the year.

We recommend staying near the riverfront, which provides good access to the riverfront trail, Glen Oak Park, Grandview Drive, and the Rock Island Greenway.

RC Outfitters is the go-to store for runners in Peoria.

Running gear can also be found at Hibbett.

Peoria area running events calendar, courtesy of RC Outfitters.

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