What runners, spectators need to know before Naperville marathon
If there's been one constant about the Healthy Driven Naperville Marathon and Half Marathon since its creation four years ago, it's this: Change.
The race has shifted start lines and routes each year.
And this fall, it even will move to a different and earlier weekend when it steps off at 7 a.m. Sunday on Webster Street north of Aurora Avenue.
But despite the changes, the race has become a tradition, a day of athletic achievement signaling the end of fall and the beginning of the holiday shopping season in downtown Naperville.
This year's 26.2- and 13.1-mile races are expected to draw about 4,500 runners for a tour of city streets.
Race directors adjusted the course last month to avoid churches northeast of downtown, but the route still is causing road closures listed at http://www.naperville.il.us/enjoy-naperville/healthy-driven-naperville-marathon-and-half-marathon/.
As race day approaches, Race Director Dave Sheble highlights some new features and recaps some classic elements.
This year's starting line has been moved one block east of last year's, starting east of city hall on Webster Street just north of Aurora Avenue. The site also happens to be the west side of the Water Street District, where a Hotel Indigo, a parking garage, shops and restaurants are set to open soon.
From the start, runners loop around downtown then head south on Washington Street before turning back north in several subdivisions and circling into downtown again for the half marathon finish. Those going the full distance will head south on West Street, past the east side of Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, near Knoch Knolls park, then back north along Washington and West streets to the finish.
New 'Charity Miles'
Last year, race organizers gave control of some intersections along the course to charity groups, who sent volunteers to keep runners safe. This year, the program has grown from an original "charity mile."
Miles 18 through 26.2 "are now going to be manned entirely by charities," Sheble said. "They'll be fundraising and displaying their cause and supporting the runners the last nine miles."
New Kids Marathon
A new Kids Marathon lets little ones ages 5 to 13 run one mile at 3 p.m., Saturday and feel like they've completed a marathon. Despite running most of the distance gradually, logging distance a mile at a time from 0 to 25, kids will be rewarded with a T-shirt and medal like true marathon finishers.
Classic race expo
The Edward Health & Fitness Center in Naperville has hosted the pre-race expo, where runners come to claim their bib numbers and packets of goodies, each of the past three years and will do so again. The expo is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at 775 Brom Court.
This year, 34 running-related vendors will showcase colorful and functional running gear and health products.
Classic prep
Each year, the race organizers have offered several chances to experience the course before the big day. This year, training teams through Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle practiced throughout the summer and fall, sometimes on segments runners will traverse Sunday.
Classic bling
Last year, race organizers debuted two new types of medals to reward runners for longevity or for a big year of racing. Legacy medals go to those who have completed the Naperville course multiple years in a row. "Valley and 'Ville" medals are awarded to those who finish half or full marathons in Fox Valley and Naperville in the same year. "Triple Crown" awards go to runners whose year included a half or full in Fox Valley, Chicago and Naperville.
"Runners will be walking around with a lot of medals and a lot of great memories," Sheble said.
Classic sponsor
Edward-Elmhurst Health is sponsoring the race for the fourth year in a row, bringing the company's "Healthy Driven" slogan to the name. Edward Hospital remains in charge of medical care, and the hospital also will have about 170 course marshals and volunteers helping out along the course.
"It's really become a part of Naperville tradition," Edward Hospital spokesman Keith Hartenberger said.