QC Answers: Plan on coming to watch the various Bix events? Here's what to know

What races are offered? 

There are a few different races offered leading up the 7-mile road race on Saturday, July 25. A variety of races are offered for people of all ages. 

On Tuesday, July 21, the Bechtel Trusts Senior Bix takes place along the riverfront in Bettendorf near the Isle Casino Hotel. 

On Thursday, July 23, the MercyOne Genesis Brady Street Sprints takes place in downtown Davenport on Brady Street Hill. 

On Friday, July 24, the Arconic Jr. Bix takes place near the former Quad-City Times office along East Third and Fourth streets in downtown Davenport. The event offers races for children aged 5 and under, with one parent or guardian running with them and children 6-12 that race on a secured course without an adult. Children needing race assistance can participate with a Jr. Bix Buddy.

On Saturday, July 25, the 7-mile road race and the Prairie Farms Quick Bix take place in downtown Davenport beginning at 8 a.m. The Prairie Farms Quick Bix is a 2-mile course that starts at the same time and place as the Quad-City Times Bix 7. Participants can walk or run up Brady Street Hill, turn right onto 15th Street, then turn right and go down Perry Street and then turn left onto E. Fourth Street to the finish line near the former Quad-City Times parking lot. 

For the Quad-City Times Bix 7, the race begins at Brady Street Hill, goes through Kirkwood Boulevard, turns up Jeresy Ridge Road and then right on Middle Road and then turns right onto McClellan Boulevard, where runners and walkers will then turn around and go the same way back to Brady Street, where they will then turn onto E. Third Street and make their way to the finish line near at the intersection of E. Third and LeClaire streets. 

Where is parking available?

While there is no set parking for Bix events, on-street parking, ramps and lots are available for use. 

Parking in downtown Davenport is available along the streets and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no time limit on weekends and after 5 p.m. during the week for on-street parking. Parking ramps available in downtown Davenport are the River Center parking ramp at 102 E. Second St.; a ramp at 331 W. Third St.; and the Redstone Parking Ramp at 101 N. Main St. Ramps are pay-to-park. 

Parking lots near Modern Woodman and the Skybridge are also available on a first-come, first-served basis and are free. For those wanting to watch along McClellan Boulevard, parking is available along the side streets on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is also available in the Village of East Davenport. People can also park on the side streets near Kirkwood Boulevard and walk to Kirkwood and watch. 

For Bettendorf, parking is available at the Isle Casino and Hotel. 

Will roads be blocked off? 

Yes, there will be various road closures in downtown Davenport Thursday-Saturday morning.

Turning left onto Brady Street from E. Fourth Street will be closed Thursday evening for the MercyOne Brady Street Sprints and will reopen at 9 p.m. Brady Street will then again be closed on Saturday morning and should reopen by noon. On Saturday, Brady Street will be closed at all intersections. Drivers will be able to use River Drive in downtown but will not be able to turn onto E. Fourth, Third and Second streets. 

Road closures will also be in place on Kirkwood and McClellan Boulevard, Perry Street and 15th Street between Brady and Perry streets. 

Beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 24, E. Third and Iowa streets and E. Fourth Street and Perishing Avenue will be closed and will reopen on Saturday, July 25, at noon. The intersection at E. Second and Emerson Place, near Lopiez Pizza, will be closed starting at 10 p.m. on Friday and reopen Saturday evening.

River Drive from Interstate 74 to the Centennial Bridge will remain open to traffic. 

Where can spectators be? 

People coming to cheer participants on can watch anywhere along the race routes and are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, water, posters, take photos and videos, and more. 

Spectators should avoid crossing streets while runners and walkers are coming through. People can enter on Fifth Street using both the east and west sidewalks on Brady Street to watch. No one will be allowed on Brady or south of Fourth Street until all participants have cleared the starting line. 

The race begins at 8 a.m. and spectators are encouraged to arrive early to park and walk to where they would like to watch. 

What am I allowed to bring? 

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs if they plan to stay and cheer on the participants in the 7-mile road race and 2-mile race. Spectators can also bring cameras, posters, water, megaphones and other non-alcoholic drinks for themselves. 

People are welcome to wear their own costumes and bring other things that would not impede the runners and walkers. 

Spectators are also encouraged to cheer on participants in the Senior Bix on Tuesday, July 21 and the Arconic Jr. Bix on Friday, July 24. Those coming to watch the Arconic Jr. Bix are asked to stay along the sides to avoid getting in the way of the junior participants. Spectators for all Bix events are allowed to take photos and videos and cheer participants on. 

What can I expect while watching? 

A handful of houses in the neighborhoods are likely to have a party and music going to cheer on the participants, along with sprinklers, a slip-n-slide set-up for participants, and drink stations for the participants. 

Volunteers will be placed at various locations along the course, handing out water to participants as they run or walk past. Spectators and participants are likely to see and hear live music along the course, a pace car following the elite athletes and various participants in their own costumes.