Illinois Valley Striders

Illinois Valley Striders The mission of the Illinois Valley Striders (IVS) is to promote wellness through running and walking activities, while striving to enhance our community.

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 S

triders in 1973. During the next year, the Illinois Valley Striders put on two races, a fun run series, and had a membership of nineteen. Today the Illinois Valley Striders is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation administered by a volunteer board of directors. Since it's founding, IVS has grown to become one of the premiere membership groups in downstate Illinois and is known nationwide for the Steamboat Classic Race. IVS is involved at all levels of both the recreation and sport of running/walking from grassroots programs to elite athlete events and support – locally, regionally and nationally.

08/15/2026
IVS Bridge to Bridge Run 4 mile IVS member Discount
06/24/2026

IVS Bridge to Bridge Run 4 mile
IVS member Discount

Bridge to Bridge Run 311 SW Water St. Peoria, IL 61602 - IVS Bridge to Bridge Run The Best 4 Mile Race Between Two… - September 7, 2026

05/18/2026

As of now the kids series will is still on for tonight. We will make a final radar check at 5 and make a FB post if we decide it needs to be canceled.

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P. O. Box 69
Peoria, IL
61650

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