The Mayor of the Races

By Eudy Cepeda (English Spanish Newspaper Hola America)

East Moline, Illinois -It’s true that the former Mayor of East Moline, Joe Moreno, is a much-admired politician in the Quad Cities, also it is true that he is a well known runner. Moreno has participated in prestigious races all around North America, and for about 20 years he has played an important role as organizer and director of many local races. Taking all of these into account, he could be recognized as the Mayor of the Races.

Moreno began to run 40 years ago; this is his favorite hobby.

Running made him confident in various parts of his life. ‘’I am a hard worker, a person dedicated to community service. Running is my passion. And organizing races is another way to offer more to the community,’’ he said.

Moreno is an enthusiastic participant of racing events. He is the founder and Director of the Quad City Marathon, to be held on September, a Bix7 committee member and Director of the Firecracker Run, both July events.

At this time, Firecracker Run is one of his major projects, which is, a highlight event on the Quad Cities running schedule. According to him, participation was a little down but currently is rising. ‘’There was a time, when we had a decline in terms of participation, however, it has been going well, and nowadays, Firecracker Run is on its way to become one of the best organized, and most important events in the Quad City. All thanks to our efforts as a committee, volunteers and the support of our sponsors,’’ he emphasized.

Firecracker Run is taking place in the City of East Moline, on Independence Day July 4th at 7:30 am. More than 350 volunteers and over 1400 participants are expected to participate in this event.

Firecracker Run, besides being an activity that unites the family in the community, also promotes sport and health and contributes substantially to the City of East Moline. ‘’Thanks to the funds obtained from Firecracker Run, we have been able to renovate recreational parks, and the Firecracker Corner (corner of 13 St. & 18 Ave.),’’ Moreno said.

The Mayor of the Races also helps and guides other similar events around the nation, and nearby areas, such as Muscatine, Clinton and Moline.

In particular, how long will Moreno be organizing the Firecracker Run? ‘’My goal is not to organize this race forever, so I look forward to putting this into the hands of the right person,’’ he answers.

‘’Personally, I invite everyone in the Quad Cities to come to this event during Independence Day. Firecracker Run will be a well organized event where people will enjoy, have fun, and have a good time,’’ Moreno concluded.

For more information and details about Firecracker visit http://www.eastmoline.com/firecracker.cfm