Steamboat Classic


The Steamboat Classic is a running race featuring 4 mile and 15K events in Peoria, Illinois. In 2019, the race drew about 1100 participants. The four-mile race has been described as the world's fastest. The world best times for both men and women, have been set at the Steamboat Classic.

History

The Illinois Valley Striders created the Steamboat Classic in 1974. The first race was held on August 3, 1974. 176 runners raced from downtown to Glen Oak Park and back.
The race took a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Route

The race is open to all levels of ability and all ages; runners, walkers, and joggers all participate.
The route for the USATF Certified 4 mile race is a flat course through the downtown streets of Peoria. It is often referred to as "one of the world’s fastest 4 mile races."
The 15K routes through hilly loops in Glen Oak Park. It is known as Illinois' toughest 15k.
The event also includes a 1 mile Fun Run/Walk.

Champions

In 1995, Josphat Machuka of Kenya set the unofficial world four-mile road record with a time of 17:28.

Women's 4-mile champions

In 1995, Delillah Asiago of Kenya set the women's unofficial world four-mile road record with a time of 19:28.
YearNameCountryTime
2025Savanah BeaversUSA23:22
2024Natalie BierbaumUSA22:19
2023Nicole BensonUSA23:54
2022Stephanie Brown BrokawUSA22:32
2021Ericka WatermanUSA22:29
2020No race
2019Jane BareikisUSA22:25
2018Jenelle DeatherageUSA20:43
2017Diane NukuriBUR20:49
2016Diane NukuriBUR20:29
2015Sarah BoyleUSA20:51
2014Cynthia LemoKEN20:00
2013Risper GezabwaKEN20:42
2012Risper GezabwaKEN20:26
2011Diane NukuriBUR20:41
2010Edna KiplagatKEN19:56
2009Kim SmithNZL19:38
2008Kim SmithNZL20:00
2007Rehima KedirETH20:26
2006Lornah KiplagatNED19:43
2005Constantina Tomescu-DitaROM20:47
2004Yasuko HashimotoJPN20:40
2003Constantina Tomescu-DitaROM20:15
2002Colleen DeReuckUSA19:59
2001Lornah KiplagatKEN19:33
2000Colleen deReuckRSA20:05
1999Colleen deReuckRSA20:10
1998Colleen deReuckRSA20:12
1997Colleen deReuckRSA19:55
1996Joyce ChepchumbaKEN19:58
1995Delillah AsiagoKEN19:28
1994Jane OmoroKEN20:31
1993Carolyn SchuwalowAUS20:21
1992Olga AppellMEX20:14
1991Wanda PanfilPOL20:28
1990Susan LeeCAN20:10
1989Chris PfitzingerNZL20:37
1988Francie LarrieuUSA20:11
1987Lorraine MollerNZL20:16
1986Lorraine MollerNZL20:24
1985Priscilla WelchENG21:14
1984Suzanne TuffyUSA21:31
1983Wendy Van MierloCAN21:04
1982Chris ReidUSA21:31
1981Beverly EnslowUSA22:12
1980Janae HunzickerUSA25:29
1979Jan EnsrudUSA22:54
1978Beverly EnslowUSA24:08
1977Beverly EnslowUSA23:36
1976Carol CookUSA22:47
1975Carol CookUSA22:52
1974Carol CookUSA24:13

Steamboat Classic Hall of Fame

The Steamboat Classic Hall of Fame was created in 1998 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the race.
YearInductee
1998Arturo Barrios
Beverly Enslow
Lorraine Moller
Steve Shostrom
Priscilla Welch
1999Carol Cook
Tim Donovan
2000Ed McGraw
Mark Plaatjes
2001Rod DeHaven
Colleen DeReuck
2002Joyce Chepchumba
Glenn Herold
2003Khalid Khannouchi
Jerry Kokesh
2004Hon. James Maloof
Suzanne Tuffey
2005Martyn Brewer
Wanda Panfil
2006Paul Christman
Lornah Kipalgat
2007Sue Lee
Greg White
2008Steve Jones
Carey Pinkowski
Mel Schriefer
2009Constantina Dita
2010Glenn Latimer
2011Betsy Silzer
2012Gary Childs
2013Mary Boone
2014Hon. Ray LaHood
2015Jerry Riebling
2016Gary Wesley
2017Diane Nukuri
2018Martha Reese
Leo Vandervlugt
2019Joy Kessler
Philip Lockwood