It was such a scenic route. Well organized. A couple points were unclear as which direction to go. The arrows on the pavement were helpful.

This was my very first marathon, and I must say I had a great experience. Not only was everything well organized but the volunteers along the way were absolutely helpful and provided great encouragement throughout the course. My favorite was when the volunteers ran with me when I needed a refill on my water.
In addition to the race itself, the parking and directions for my family and friends were extremely helpful. The spectators guide was a big help in planning out their route. They met me at different locations and within just enough time to see me run pass.
I also have to recognize the training runs the marathon committee had to offer. I only went to one but that was enough to know how the race day itself was going to be. The entire staff was extremely happy and willing to offer their services and answer any questions us runner had to ask.
Thank you for such a great experience. I will highly recommend this race to future marathoners!
Awesome job!

Everything about the race was fantastic. My one suggestion, don't wait until the end to have the 20 miler races break off and run their extra mile. Please do this earlier, it just about broke me.

This race is so well-organized. The race directors are amazing at what they do. I've never been at a race with better volunteers. There is never a concern for hydration. The medical tents are everywhere with people to make sure you're okay. While the course is tight, they send you out in waves so it never feels too crowded. I've run this course three times and I highly recommend it!!! They got it right!!

This was my first full marathon, but I've been a long time runner, and have run many organized races. I appreciated the small town feel of this race, but without sacrificing big race amenities like ample water stops and medical support. The course was almost entirely a path along the Fox River. While the race was touted as mostly flat, there were definitely hills you wouldn't encounter in a race like Chicago. And if I had to pick one thing to fault them on, it would be that the path served for a good portion as both the out and back, so it was a tad crowded with runners going both directions. Otherwise, it was a great day. I would absolutely recommend the race to others, and will gladly do it again.

I really enjoyed the Fox Valley Marathon. I PR'd - that helps my regard for it. The good things that I had heard about the course - plenty of tree cover in case it was hot (however the weather was beautiful) and scenic (a very serene route to run). My only two negative things to say is that there were a few very narrow and tight turns that I didn't think were good for a marathon course - even with a small field. During one tight turn, there was a woman on a bike trying to get through at the same time which was not a good situation. That was the other thing that I thought should be improved. I don't know if the paths can be closed off to people not in the races (on bicycles or otherwise) but at times during the race I think more control needs to be exercised - particularly when runners are moving in opposite directions on the path.

I witnessed a near collision between an older woman on a bike and one of the marathon leaders. I also did something stupid when I pulled off on the right side of the trail to get something out of my fanny pack after getting a drink at the aid station. I wasn't thinking about runners coming the other way when I got back on the trail and moved the left side. Fortunately nobody was coming at the time but I would hate to have caused a collision.

Perhaps some words of caution about that would be good. I appreciated having pacers and being treated to a beer at O'Malley's tavern (although I had to ask around what the drink coupon was good for). All in all a great race though.

I was looking for a warm up marathon before Chicago and Fox Valley looked like a nice course. I was not dissapointed.

Pros
-Massage tables set up before the race with masseurs available to stretch you out. Very nice
-Very pretty, flat course along the river. Lots of tree cover
-Fun little town with good restaraunts
-If you have kids, the Kids Marathon on Saturday is fantastic
-Well organized for the most part (see cons)

Cons
-Some of the turns and the signage was consfusing. There were three races going simulatenously and I found myself a couple times questioning if I had gone the right way. Sometimes the Marathon and the Fall 20 would be running together but the signs would only indicate Fall 20 etc.
-I felt like there could have been a couple more water stations.

Other then that, nothing but good to say here. I highly recommend.

Great choice for a first marathon (which it was for me). Mostly flat terrain on paved bike/walking trails along the Fox River, with some city streets at the start and finish. Not a completely closed course (encountered a few joggers who were obviously not racers or event staff or spectators), but the locals seem to be well aware of the event.

Gave it 4/5 starts for the course because a good chunk of the middle part is out-and-back, but that's just a personal preference.

Gave 4/5 for organization due to parking. Definitely plan ahead, and give yourself at least 90 minutes before race time if you plan to park in the deck closest to the starting line. There's no lack of parking, it's just scattered.

Gave 5/5 for the spectators. I don't think I ever went more than a mile without seeing people cheering us on. The community really seemed to get into it.

It was my first ever race experience, I did the half marathon and had so much fun. Everyone was so nice and the volunteers were so kind and great cheerleaders. I will definitely do it again next year.

Overall, I am very happy with this race and I am a three timer. It has improved each year and I plan to continue running it in the future. The paths along the river are mostly shady and flat. It is easy for an area runner to train on the course itself. One key improvement in 2012 was to have less turns, one stretch is now about 6 1/2 miles long! There are still a few turns that would be good to elminate. Two constructive comments: the mile 23 mile marker was misplaced, as it was too early. The marking on the blacktop could be seen about .1 mile further on. Secondly, I understand all of the fencing at the finish as there is a fairly large crowd to control. However, it was difficult for runners to have a good place to view friends/family who finished later.