As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are honoring Grete Waitz, a marathon legend who redefined what was possible on the roads.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are celebrating Bethany (McCoy) Carr, also known as “The Machine” for the way she tore up the course and the track!

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC we are honoring Sara Hall! One of the most accomplished distance runners in American history!

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC we are honoring Cambria Geyer a powerhouse hurdler from Tremont IL who has been leaving her mark on the track

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC Bank we are honoring the queen of American distance running Deena Kastor.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC we honor Illini sprinter Ranaisha Howard-Dunnigan. She set new personal bests this season in the 60m 200m and 100m and was a two time sectional and conference champion plus a state runner up in high school. Representing Illinois with pride she is one to watch.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series presented by PNC bank we honor Florence Griffith Joyner the fastest woman in history. Known as FloJo she brought unmatched speed and unforgettable style to the track setting world records in the 100m and 200m that still stand today. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics she dominated with three gold medals and one silver becoming a global icon and forever changing the sport.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series Presented by PNC, we honor LaDaisha Steen-Yates, a Peoria standout whose sprinting career shined from Richwoods High School to Illinois State. At ISU, she posted top-five finishes in the 60m and 200m, set a meet record at the Top Times Titan Open, and broke 12 seconds in the 100m. A state finalist and record holder in high school, LaDaisha’s dedication and drive have defined her journey. Here’s to LaDaisha—a true Triumph of Women in Running.

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC honors Gabrielle Thomas, one of the fastest women in the world. She made history at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials with a 21.61 in the 200m—the second-fastest time ever—before winning Olympic bronze in the 200m and silver in the 4x100m relay. In 2023, she added World Championship gold in the 4x100m and silver in the 200m, proving her dominance on every stage. From Ivy League tracks to Olympic finals, Gabrielle continues to inspire as a true Triumph of Women in Running.

As part of our Cause for Celebration series Presented by PNC, we honor Peoria’s own Seven Hicks! From Richwoods High School state titles to breaking records at Nebraska, Seven’s sprinting career is fueled by grit and growth. In 2025, she set a Prairie Wolf Invitational meet record in the 60m, posted a blazing 24.20 in the 200m, and shined at the Drake Relays. More than her fast times, Seven’s persistence and pride continue to inspire athletes in Peoria and beyond.

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC features Molly Huddle! One of the most decorated distance runners in U.S. history, Molly is a two-time Olympian and American record-holder in the 10,000m, 20K, and half marathon. A 10-time All-American at Notre Dame, she’s since earned 28 national titles and became the first American woman to break 1:08 in the half. Beyond racing, Molly is a powerful advocate for women in sport and athlete empowerment. We’re honored to celebrate this true icon of American distance running!

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC honors RC’s own Maryjeanne Gilbert! A Peoria Notre Dame alum, Maryjeanne is one of Illinois’ most decorated distance runners, winning multiple state titles and setting school records in the 1,600m and 3,200m. Named Illinois Gatorade Female Runner of the Year and an All-American, she also set a state record at the New Balance Indoor Nationals 5K and represented Team USA in Scotland. Her achievements and leadership continue to inspire young runners across the region.

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC features Nicole Benson! A standout at Limestone High School, Nicole won a state cross country title in 2007 and competed nationally at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games. She went on to shine at Bradley University with the program’s 2nd fastest 5k, and later at the University of Iowa, where she posted one of the school’s top 4000m times. Nicole’s journey continues to inspire the next generation of female athletes, and we’re honored to share her story!

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC shines on Priscilla Welch! Once a pack-a-day smoker with no athletic background, Priscilla started jogging at 34 while stationed in Norway. Just two years later, she ran the London Marathon in under three hours, and by 39, she placed 6th in the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon in Los Angeles, setting a British record of 2:28. Her story proves it’s never too late to take the first step toward health and wellness.

This week’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC honors Betsy Silzer! A trailblazer for women’s running, Betsy won the 1981 Illinois State Cross Country Championship and remains the women’s record-holder in the Steamboat 15k since 1983. Beyond racing, she’s enriched the community as recreation director at Wildlife Prairie Park, developing trails and enhancing facilities that now host major events. Thank you, Betsy, for shaping women’s athletics and our outdoor recreation community!

Previous world record holder in the mile, 5000 meter, and 10000 meter, Mary Decker is this week’s highlight in our Cause for Celebration series Presented by PNC.

This week as part of our Cause for Celebration series Presented by PNC we are telling the story of Allyson Felix, the first female track and field athlete to ever win 7 Olympic Gold medals and the most decorated American in history with 11 medals.

Hometown hero Amanda Duvendack is this week's Cause for Celebration: Triumphs of Women in Running Presented by PNC.

There is no doubt that Olympic athletes have a rare combination of extreme natural talent, unwavering determination, and work ethic. In other words, they're built differently. This week's Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC highlight, the amazing Marion Jones, is no exception.

Greater Peoria is proud of our incredibly rich history of talented female runners. This year’s Cause for Celebration Presented by PNC is honored to pay tribute to many of these women, and Eureka runner Olivia Kraus is truly a standout.