'I just want to run': Rain delay doesn't prevent kids from enjoying 2025 Arconic Jr. Bix

More than 1,700 children signed up for the race. The rain didn't stop many children and their parents from getting out and having fun time regardless of the delay. 

Kai Brown, 10, and his brother Toshiro Brown, 9, each were running the Jr. Bix for the first time.

Asked why they got out for the run, Kai answered, "my parents."

Gerald and Sachiko Brown both laughed at their son's comment.

"This is where they learn to be a part of the community, and that's what it's all about. We wanted to get them out, get the T-shirt and be a part of the event," Gerald Brown said.

The Browns said they attend the Quad-City Times Bix 7 each year to cheer on the runners and be involved in the event and be an active part of the community.

The storm that moved through the region dropped 0.23 inches of rain at the National Weather Service, Davenport, located adjacent to the Davenport Municipal Airport.

Areas south of the Davenport airport received much more rain, said meteorologist Justin Shultz. The Quad Cities International Airport, in Moline, received 0.61 inches of rain from the storm, he said.

"That's a lot of rain in a short period of time," he said.

When the storm passed, runners and their parents gathered at the Quad-City Times parking lot and began gearing and warming up for the runs. Volunteers got the snacks, hotdogs and popsicles ready.

Jaide Tyson, 11, of Davenport, said she has run the Jr. Bix for six years.

"I like it. I do like the running," she said.

Jaide said she will start at Bettendorf Middle School in the coming year, adding, "I'm for sure going to do sports. I don't want to become lazy." Asked if she was going to win it, Jaide said, "I hope so."

Rock Island residents Quinn Koski, 8, and her brother Connor, 6, both were running the Jr. Bix for the first time.

Quinn said she was running it because their neighbors were running. As for Connor, though, he said, "I just want to run."

While it was humid during the race, with rain forecast for the Bix race itself, their parents, Kristin and Andy Koski, both said that's a good time to run.

"The rain has made for some of the best Bix runs," said Andy Koski, who has run the race before, although they are not signed up for this year. "A lot of people stay home, and you have more room so you can go at your full stride. The best one I ever did it was raining throughout the morning."

It was a similar situation for the Jr. Bix. Despite the humidity, the rain was a cooling welcome Friday night, they said.