BACKGROUND
Over 40 years ago, Dave Snider, who was then the Director of Recreation at the Peoria Park District, invited local running enthusiasts to a meeting to start a Central Illinois running club. Ed McGraw, an aspiring East Peoria Cross Country Coach, and Steve Shostrom, a novice marathoner and energetic labor attorney, were the only two to accept this invitation. This trio founded the Illinois Valley Striders in 1973. During the next year, the Illinois Valley Striders put on two races, a fun run series, and had a membership of nineteen.  

Since it's founding, IVS has grown to become one of the premiere membership groups in downstate Illinois. IVS hosts events such as the IVS Grand Prix Series, the IVS Kids Series, the IVS Beginner Series, the Spring Stampede10k, and the Bridge to Bridge Run 4 mile., and is widely known as the founding club of the Steamboat Classic Race.  IVS members pride themselves on community involvement through participation in many area wide causes.  As an organization, the Striders are committed to the ongoing development of Peoria's riverfront. Working in alliance with The Peoria Park District, Peoria Police and other local government bodies, IVS hosts training runs, group runs and run/ walk races on or near the riverfront.

Local Races

• May 25, 2026  Memorial Day Salute at Springdale Cemetery

• Jun 6, 2026  Steamboat Classic

• Jun 12, 2026  Central Illinois Summer Trail Series #1

• Jun 13, 2026  Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra

• June 20, 2026  Princeville Heritage Days 5K Run/Walk

• Jul 4, 2026  Peoria Jaycees Firecracker 5000

• July 11, 2026  Detweiller at Dark

• Jul 24, 2026  33rd Annual Run for the Health of It, Chillicothe, Il

• Sep 7, 2026  IVS Bridge To Bridge Run

• Oct 24, 2026  Screaming Pumpkin

• Nov 14, 2026  Storm the Castle 5K

• Nov 22, 2026  Peoria Turkey Trot

• Nov 26, 2026  Chocolate Turkey 3 Mile

• Nov 28, 2026  Folepi Classic 4 Mi

• Dec 12, 2026  Run Run Rudolph

IVS Annual Meeting

IVS Grand Prix Series

IVS Kids Series

IVS Bridge to Bridge 4  Mile Run

IVS Spring Stampede 5k/10k

IVS Member Discounts - Log in to View - 

IVS Bridge to Bridge 4 mi