Fox Valley Marathon Races offer top-tier courses, best views
Four Fox Valley towns will be filled with cheering crowds, several thousand runners and a thousand volunteers when the Fox Valley Marathon Races - four races in all, from a 5K to a marathon - kick off at 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18.
Runners, from veteran runners to first-timers, will find a few changes this year, including new routes that eliminate some hills, providing a flat, shady course with great views along the Fox River, ending with a fabulous finish across the Fox River.
It is a race where the setting cannot be beat, for both runners and spectators, followed by post-race celebrations at Pollyanna Brewing Company, 106 S. Riverside Ave. and The Office, 201 E. Main St., both in St. Charles.
The races combine "small race atmosphere with big race amenities," said Craig Bixler, race director. The Fox Valley Marathon Races are "ideal for both veterans looking for a fast race, as well as first-timers looking for an uncrowded, supportive, family-friendly race setting."
In fact, Chicago Athlete magazine named the Fox Valley Marathon one of the Top 25 Midwest Marathons and MarathonGuide.com considers it one of the top 30 U.S. races to run to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Starting and ending in historic downtown St. Charles, the course winds through picturesque Geneva and Batavia (and North Aurora for the marathon runners) to a spectacular finish across the Fox River back in St. Charles, Bixler noted.
"They all start together and veer off on different courses along the way," Bixler said. "We expect at least 2,400 runners, ranging in age from 7 to 84, coming from Illinois, 29 other states, the District of Columbia and Austria, to participate in the four events that day."
The course views include not just the historic towns, but also bridges, waterfalls, parks, an authentic Dutch windmill, river paths and lots of shade. The course also offers fantastic viewing spots for families and supporters, as well as frequent and well-positioned aid stations staffed by supportive volunteer teams.
"The race is a nice boost to the economies of the Fox Valley communities they go through, letting people see how nice it is to live in this area," he said. "And with its unique riverside finish, you'll see and hear the excitement of the crowds for a last mile to remember forever."
After the finish, runners may enjoy the Post-Race Village, which will include a photo booth for runners to commemorate the day, provided by premier sponsor, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora (www.geraldsubarunorthaurora.com). Gerald has been a race sponsor almost since the beginning, and has gotten progressively more involved over the years. In addition to the photo booth, Gerald provides shuttle cars to bring tired runners back to the starting point.
"The Fox Valley Marathon is such a special event. The stories shared and the family support we see for each of the runners' individual journeys are very touching," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group. "This is an event that offers something for all ability levels and truly brings the community together. We hope this year's turnout is greater than ever and we look forward to cheering them on as they navigate this beautiful course."
Interested runners can register online at www.fv26.com through Sept. 15. The cost is $50 for the 5K, $110 for the half-marathon, $115 for the 20-mile and $135 for the marathon. If spaces are still available, registration will be taken in person at packet pickup Sept. 16-17 at the Kane County Fairgrounds.
To visit Gerald Subaru of North Aurora online, go to www.geraldsubarunorthaurora.com.