Article updated: 9/16/2012 6:47 PM

Record-breaking day at Fox Valley Marathon

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With a record-setting time, Justin Gillette of Goshen, Ind., finishes the Fox Valley Marathon in first place Sunday in St. Charles. The first 30 finishers qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

John Starks | Staff Photographer

Hundreds of runners crowd First Street in St. Charles Sunday morning at the start of the Fox Valley Marathon. The top 30 finishers qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

John Starks | Staff Photographer

Matthew Fuller, 10, Hank Smith, 11, and Nathan Hilkenann, 10, wore painted boxes with lighted eyes on First Street in St. Charles Sunday morning at the start of the Fox Valley Marathon. The top 30 finishers qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon. There was also a half marathon and a Final Fall 20-mile race.

John Starks | Staff Photographer

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Karin Sheehy of Elgin finishes the last few yards of the Fall Final 20 with her children, Audrey, 8, and Troy, 7, Sunday in St. Charles.

John Starks | Staff Photographer

Roger and Sheri Greenhagel of Elgin finish the Fox Valley Half Marathon with their children, Paige, Emily and Brin, joining them for the last few yards Sunday in St. Charles.

John Starks | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Justin Gillette says his secret to winning marathons is tuning out the pain. He did it well enough Sunday to set a new record for the Fox Valley Marathon in St. Charles, and in the process earned himself a spot in next year's Boston Marathon.