Bix 7 Road Race

View on map
Sports & AdventureDavenport
DatesDates TBA · Usually JulyCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-About 18,000 people
Best forCompetition, enduranceAt its peak in the 1990s the race drew
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Bix 7 Road Race in Davenport

Bix 7 Road Race is a 7-mile road race through the streets of downtown Davenport, held the last Saturday of July since 1975 and named for Davenport-born jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. Founded by runner John Hudetz and produced today by the Quad-City Times, it grew from 84 first-year finishers into one of the largest non-marathon road races in the Midwest.

Bix 7 Road Race began in 1975, founded by Bettendorf resident and Cornbelt Running Club member John Hudetz, who was inspired by the atmosphere of the Boston Marathon and wanted to bring something like it to the Quad Cities.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

At its peak in the 1990s the race drew between 15,000 and 20,000 runners annually, an extraordinary scale for a single-city road race and enough to rank it among the largest non-marathon races in the Midwest for decades

02

The mystery stays covered

Its hilly, genuinely challenging course through downtown Davenport has built a reputation among serious distance runners, while a shorter Quick Bix option keeps the event accessible to casual participants

03

The city starts moving

The race's timing, always the Saturday before the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, ties two of Davenport's signature summer events together under the same namesake

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race's naming and timing

Water and renewal

Living ritual

always scheduled the Saturday before the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival

The sacred route

Living ritual

ties it permanently to the memory of the Davenport-born jazz cornetist for whom both events are named

The local code

Living ritual

The hilly downtown Davenport course has remained a consistent

Tradition 5

Living ritual

signature challenge since the race's founding

Tradition 6

Living ritual

giving it a reputation distinct from flatter big-city road races

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually July

Getting around

Base the route around Davenport, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.

What to wear

Loose, light, breathable running clothing suits the hot, humid late-July race conditions; organizers specifically advise against trying new shoes, clothing, or drinks on race day itself.

Safety

For Bix 7 Road Race, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Bix 7 Road Race runs late.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.52 N, 90.58 WOpen in Google Maps

Davenport, IA

Nearest airportMLI — Quad City
TransportBase the route around Davenport, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Bix 7 Road Race runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Davenport via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Davenport, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for July.Compare faresFestival gearLoose, light, breathable running clothing suits the hot, humid late-July race conditions; organizers specifically advise against trying new shoes, clothing, or drinks on race day itself.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Bix 7 Road Race?

Bix 7 Road Race is listed for Past edition: 25 July 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Bix 7 Road Race take place?

The festival is listed in Davenport, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Davenport, IA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbix7.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually July
Source statusOfficial source linked
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