calendar icon Sep 20, 2024

Fox Valley Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Fox Valley Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 431 [displaying comments 271 to 281]
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B. H. from Chicago, IL (9/17/2012)
"This race was awesome!" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first half marathon. I injured my foot about 8 weeks before race day and had to rest. I was so bummed out and so excited about the race I decided I'd try to run a few miles of it, just to get the feeling of running the race. I ended up running the whole thing!!! It was very hard, I had lots of stomach cramps which caused me to walk. My legs and back were very stiff, my body was tired. This also caused lots of walking. I'm so happy my Mom was there to help me through the race. She has run this race before. I couldn't have done such a good job with out her. I am so proud of myself for finishing this race as hard as it was. The volunteers were amazing and so were the spectators. Such an amazing experience. Crossing that finish line is something I can't even begin to explain. I can't wait to run this race again! Maybe one day I can even tackle the whole marathon! Thanks to everyone involved in this race.

 

J. D. from Crete, IL (9/17/2012)
"Top notch!" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Free parking. Flat and mostly shaded course. Potentially cool time of year. Excellent volunteers and organizers. Great cities. Quality businesses around the start/finish. What more could you ask for?

I can't comment about hotels in the area or the expo as I am local to Chicagoland and use the remote packet pickup. (They have an alternate packet pickup in the city! How cool is that?)

 

V. R. from Illinois (9/17/2012)
"Overall great course, more hills than expected." (about: 2012)

2 previous marathons | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Beautiful course. Was a little surprised by the hills as advertised as a 'flat course.'
Well organized and great support from organizers.
Thought that there could have been more on course info for 1/2 marathon. After the split it seemed that everything (mile markers, etc) were geared for full or 20 mile runners. If I didn't have my GPS watch I would have been unsure about how I was doing/how much further to go at some points.

Course was pretty crowded at start ( I was in 11:27 pace coral). Thinned after mile 3-4. Would definitely sign up again, possibly consider full next year. Would prepare better for hills, however.

 

A. E. from Arlington Heights, IL (9/17/2012)
"Amazing all-around race!" (about: 2012)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran the Final Fall 20-mile race in preparation for the upcoming Chicago marathon. While I ran the inaugural marathon a few years back, I was ill so didn't have very fond memories of the race. Now, that I've participated well-trained and feeling great, I can say this was easily one of the best races I've ever run - enjoyable in every way! The course was beautiful, the weather was amazing, and the volunteers were incredible! The course was very well-organized. I can't say enough positive things about the volunteers and people who organized the race! I was also surprised by how many spectators came out to cheer runners on - another amazing aspect of the race! This is a race that every runner should experience. I am definitely doing it again next year!

 

Chris Black from Wheaton, IL (9/17/2012)
"Better than last year - I love this race." (about: 2012)

4-5 previous marathons | 2 Fox Valley Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Second year full marathoner. Love the sense of community and the passion of the organizers. This is a first rate course - fast and scenic. Fans and volunteers are 100% FANTASTIC. I can not say enough good things. Will be back 2013 for my 3 yr Endurance Medal.

 

J. k. from IL (9/17/2012)
"Great race! I will be back next year!" (about: 2012)

4-5 previous marathons | 3 Fox Valley Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Please have your WONDERFUL volunteers wear plastic gloves when they had out water/gatorade. It is really gross to see their fingers sticking down in the cups:(
Also, Bio-freeze at the med-stops during the race would be sooooo helpful...They said it was only available at the end....

 

S. N. from Chicago Burbs (9/17/2012)
"* * * * * Loved the Final Fall 20 Mile Race" (about: 2012)

First Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Road construction hindered a small portion of the race, but other than that this course ROCKED! This is the only reason 4stars for the course. I love that most of this course is shaded! The volunteers are the best!! There were so many hydration stations I really did not need to wear my hydration belt! After running the Final 20 I'm ready for my first marathon!
I am already looking forward to running this one again next year.

 

M. Z. from United States, Illinois (9/17/2012)
"I will run this course/race again next year" (about: 2012)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


The only thing missing would be Gu at at least one or a few different locations on the course.

 

J. P. from Des Moines, Iowa (9/17/2012)
"Very well put together marathon." (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have ran other races of various distances and I will have to say that the scenery, fan support, organization and weather made it the best race I have had the pleasure (and pain) of running. The fan support was unbelievable and made the race not feel like 26.2. I ran Grandma's in Duluth and I will have to say the Fox Vally route was more fun and fan support was awesome! Keep up the good job I will be here again next year.

 

K. J. from Addison, Illinois, USA (9/17/2012)
"Awesome race for runners and spectators alike." (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I LOVED this marathon. As a marathon virgin, I had no idea what to expect. Thanks to the constant updates on the Web site and Facebook, I felt confident going into the event. I saw my family so many times because it was quite spectator friendly. It really kept me going. The course was shaded and mostly flat, with aid stations and volunteers so frequently that I barely had to think about it. There were so many port-o-potties at the start that we joked it was the bathroom village. However, more than two pots at each aid station would have been nice. I also would have liked a greater variety of post-run food, but really, it's hard to find much to criticize at this race! Also, the parking was free and easy. You really can't beat the friendly, laid-back attitude of this hometown race.

 

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