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Marathon Details - Naperville Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IL > Naperville > Naperville Marathon

Naperville Marathon

Edward-Elmhurst Health Naperville Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Naperville, IL USA

October 21, 2018

http://www.runnaperville.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2016 2015 2014 2013 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

The course starts at the riverwalk in downtown Naperville, IL and weaves through neighborhoods, college campus, downtown district, prairie, and river trails before a downhill finish back to the Riverwalk and downtown.

Contact Information

Name:	Craig Bixler
Address:	PO Box 2734 Naperville, IL. 60567 USA
Phone Number:	630-667-6054
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (78)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.6

Spectators 4.4

Write a review

Number of comments: 78 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

A. M. from Hammond, Indiana (4/3/2016) "Costly but a great race." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great marathon. I have ran in twice and loved it each time. Ran my PR on this course which is a shock with all the hills. But everything about this race is high quality. The spectators are great and so is the post race food. The only downfall is the race is a bit higher priced, it would be much better if the race were cheaper.
B. R. from Illinois (1/25/2016) "Meh Stop Changing" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a good local small race, but they are trying to act like a big race. They haven't run the same course yet and now a date change. Slow down guys and embrace what you have. I have run this race twice and I did think 2015's course was improved, but please note it is run in a pretty residential area, with few spectators if you need that. There were problems with legacy and distance challenge medals at the finish on race day and they won't mail them. Even offered to send self-addressed envelope. Only offered 2 limited opportunities local runners to pick them up. They offered alternate packet pick up location, but not for the medals???
R. M. from Naperville, IL (12/8/2015) "Better in 2014 than 2015" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a good marathon. Well run and supported but Naperville needs to get their course down. The start moves year to year and in 2015 was in a poor location for runner but fair for spectators.
S. J. from Western Suburbs, IL (11/24/2015) "Nice local option with some rollers" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half last year (2014) and enjoyed it. I was attempting to BQ at the full this year. I live in the local area which is quite flat. The first half of this race was rather rolling (relatively speaking) for this area. The course has a lot of turns relative to other marathons I have run (pretty sure I counted 40+ in the first half alone). It was well supported and I enjoyed seeing lots of familiar faces but the 'hill' at mile 24 ended my BQ hopes. This race is a nice option if you live nearby and enjoy a small marathon field.
N. R. from Straight outta Lisle (11/19/2015) "keeps getting better" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my third time running the half. With the exception of running through NNHS parking lot, this years route was my favorite. Running through downtown Naperville with all the spectators was quite a thrill. You guys nailed the gear check this year. Legacy medals were a nice bonus. More porta pottys near the start line for runners only would be an improvement next time. I was unsure about not having a beer tent,but in the end didn't mind sitting in Quigleys all nice and warm while rehydrating. A few negatives though, race shirt was hideous. Unimpressed with the expo. Its just stuff for sale. I got a pen and a snack size cliff bar in my gear bag...really? And the virtual goody bag is just meh. Having said that, I will run this race again..
L. P. from Chicago, IL (11/19/2015) "Naperville is definitely on the right track" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Thank you again for organizing another great race! I ran the marathon in 2013 and again this year. I think the improvements and adjustments are getting better each time. However, I do want to comment that bathrooms at the starting line were a huge issue this year and I did not notice that previously. Facilities need to be well marked on maps and information volunteers should be able to redirect racers to shorter lines before the start. I also highly encourage the race director staff to reconsider t-shirt ideas for next year. As a runner, race shirts are one of the best marketing tools, I see fellow runners out there with a cool shirt and I want to participate in that event. I think that there was a way to honor veterans and provide participants with a race shirt that we will want to wear again and again.
R. H. from Chicago, IL (11/19/2015) "Fantastic event" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very well organized. Able to stay warm in the parking garage/gear check prior to the start was great. Pacers, aid stations and course were all very good.
J. M. from Aurora, IL (11/19/2015) "Has improved each year!" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd time running the Naperville Half and my 8th half overall. Aside from the Chicago Half, Naperville is the next biggest half I have been a part of and I think their organization has nothing but improved over the last 3 years with this many runners. I finished in 1:44 and no issues with crowds immediately after the race. Overall, I thought the course was the best the 1st year with this year coming in 2nd- big improvement from last year's boring course. Gear check this year was the best as the 1st two years were disastrous. The pre-race warming area this year was nice but not as nice as the gym in 2014, however it was efficient enough and I wouldn't mind if they continued using the parking garage in future years. The start corrals seemed crowded this year and there were no openings in the gates to get in so runners had to either crawl over the gate or enter from the back. I have mixed feelings about the post race party. I enjoyed the beer tent last year but didn't enjoy freezing after the race. I liked being able to go to a warm restaurant to sit and relax with my beer but two things- I went to Jimmys and they did not carry the Victory Lap beer which I was looking forward to trying and the kitchen didn't open until 11am which didn't make sense to me when hungry runners are flooding your restaurant. Maybe that could be something that could be arranged in the future? Overall, the continued organizational improvement, fantastic spectators, ease of parking and race location/proximity to my house is why I have returned each year.
M. P. from Naperville, il (11/19/2015) "Awesome race!" (about: 2015) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Naperville Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I absolutely loved this race! I did the half.. And my favorite part about the course was running through downtown on the second half. It was motivating to know once we got through the first 8 miles we would be downtown with all the music, energy and increased spectators! The crowd support was great! On a chilly early Sunday morning to see all those people out was so fun! Maybe a beer tent at the end would be nice to celebrate! Thanks Naperville!
S. K. from Naperville (11/19/2015) "Improves every year" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The event was great. There were a lot more half-marathoners than full, and although some areas were sparse, the spectators were great. It is nice to be able to see family and friends so easily. As a Naperville resident I don't mind running through neighborhoods I normally do not see everyday.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]



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A. M. from Hammond, Indiana (4/3/2016) "Costly but a great race." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great marathon. I have ran in twice and loved it each time. Ran my PR on this course which is a shock with all the hills. But everything about this race is high quality. The spectators are great and so is the post race food. The only downfall is the race is a bit higher priced, it would be much better if the race were cheaper.
B. R. from Illinois (1/25/2016) "Meh Stop Changing" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a good local small race, but they are trying to act like a big race. They haven't run the same course yet and now a date change. Slow down guys and embrace what you have. I have run this race twice and I did think 2015's course was improved, but please note it is run in a pretty residential area, with few spectators if you need that. There were problems with legacy and distance challenge medals at the finish on race day and they won't mail them. Even offered to send self-addressed envelope. Only offered 2 limited opportunities local runners to pick them up. They offered alternate packet pick up location, but not for the medals???
R. M. from Naperville, IL (12/8/2015) "Better in 2014 than 2015" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This is a good marathon. Well run and supported but Naperville needs to get their course down. The start moves year to year and in 2015 was in a poor location for runner but fair for spectators.
S. J. from Western Suburbs, IL (11/24/2015) "Nice local option with some rollers" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half last year (2014) and enjoyed it. I was attempting to BQ at the full this year. I live in the local area which is quite flat. The first half of this race was rather rolling (relatively speaking) for this area. The course has a lot of turns relative to other marathons I have run (pretty sure I counted 40+ in the first half alone). It was well supported and I enjoyed seeing lots of familiar faces but the 'hill' at mile 24 ended my BQ hopes. This race is a nice option if you live nearby and enjoy a small marathon field.
N. R. from Straight outta Lisle (11/19/2015) "keeps getting better" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my third time running the half. With the exception of running through NNHS parking lot, this years route was my favorite. Running through downtown Naperville with all the spectators was quite a thrill. You guys nailed the gear check this year. Legacy medals were a nice bonus. More porta pottys near the start line for runners only would be an improvement next time. I was unsure about not having a beer tent,but in the end didn't mind sitting in Quigleys all nice and warm while rehydrating. A few negatives though, race shirt was hideous. Unimpressed with the expo. Its just stuff for sale. I got a pen and a snack size cliff bar in my gear bag...really? And the virtual goody bag is just meh. Having said that, I will run this race again..
L. P. from Chicago, IL (11/19/2015) "Naperville is definitely on the right track" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Thank you again for organizing another great race! I ran the marathon in 2013 and again this year. I think the improvements and adjustments are getting better each time. However, I do want to comment that bathrooms at the starting line were a huge issue this year and I did not notice that previously. Facilities need to be well marked on maps and information volunteers should be able to redirect racers to shorter lines before the start. I also highly encourage the race director staff to reconsider t-shirt ideas for next year. As a runner, race shirts are one of the best marketing tools, I see fellow runners out there with a cool shirt and I want to participate in that event. I think that there was a way to honor veterans and provide participants with a race shirt that we will want to wear again and again.
R. H. from Chicago, IL (11/19/2015) "Fantastic event" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very well organized. Able to stay warm in the parking garage/gear check prior to the start was great. Pacers, aid stations and course were all very good.
J. M. from Aurora, IL (11/19/2015) "Has improved each year!" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd time running the Naperville Half and my 8th half overall. Aside from the Chicago Half, Naperville is the next biggest half I have been a part of and I think their organization has nothing but improved over the last 3 years with this many runners. I finished in 1:44 and no issues with crowds immediately after the race. Overall, I thought the course was the best the 1st year with this year coming in 2nd- big improvement from last year's boring course. Gear check this year was the best as the 1st two years were disastrous. The pre-race warming area this year was nice but not as nice as the gym in 2014, however it was efficient enough and I wouldn't mind if they continued using the parking garage in future years. The start corrals seemed crowded this year and there were no openings in the gates to get in so runners had to either crawl over the gate or enter from the back. I have mixed feelings about the post race party. I enjoyed the beer tent last year but didn't enjoy freezing after the race. I liked being able to go to a warm restaurant to sit and relax with my beer but two things- I went to Jimmys and they did not carry the Victory Lap beer which I was looking forward to trying and the kitchen didn't open until 11am which didn't make sense to me when hungry runners are flooding your restaurant. Maybe that could be something that could be arranged in the future? Overall, the continued organizational improvement, fantastic spectators, ease of parking and race location/proximity to my house is why I have returned each year.
M. P. from Naperville, il (11/19/2015) "Awesome race!" (about: 2015) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Naperville Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I absolutely loved this race! I did the half.. And my favorite part about the course was running through downtown on the second half. It was motivating to know once we got through the first 8 miles we would be downtown with all the music, energy and increased spectators! The crowd support was great! On a chilly early Sunday morning to see all those people out was so fun! Maybe a beer tent at the end would be nice to celebrate! Thanks Naperville!
S. K. from Naperville (11/19/2015) "Improves every year" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Naperville Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The event was great. There were a lot more half-marathoners than full, and although some areas were sparse, the spectators were great. It is nice to be able to see family and friends so easily. As a Naperville resident I don't mind running through neighborhoods I normally do not see everyday.

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Marathon Details - Naperville Marathon