The people who organized the marathon were positive and so encouraging. I participated in 5 of the 6 training runs offered on the course. The course was mostly shaded and beautiful. I would highly recommend the Fox Valley Marathon and training runs to anyone looking for a great first marathon experience!

I expected that the trail would be closed to other people and bikers but it was not. They were dangerous to runners.

Craig Bixler (sp?) did a great job organizing and facilitating the training runs. You don't know how important that is for runners, especially first time marathoners, to train with a group, and especially over the course. That is a distinctive for this race.

Recommendation: weekly training runs; same day of the week (perhaps Sundays); with starting points published in advance.

The little loops at the front felt like we were in a Conga line. I know that that was making the best of the space we have; but it was weird and interrupted the race flow.

Course benefits from current cap of participants. Any more and you'll have a horribly slow and sluggish start for many.

Out and back between North Aurora and Aurora quite mentally tiring. Glad to get past that part of the course.

Shaded, mostly flat, except for a section at 19 miles, which was a relief more than anything else.

The description of the course should be changed to describe its rolling nature. While there were flat sections, there was more than enough rolling terrain to drain some of my energy. At fifty degrees, it felt great in the beginning, but the second half was warm and definitely affected my performance. That's what you get with a mid-September marathon.

The course if beautiful and it is a well run race. I've done the 20 mile and the half marathon now. If you run consecutive years you get an additional medal. The announcer at the end is the best! You actually get to hear your name announced as you cross the finish line!

The 3rd installment keeps improving and holding to the high standards of the race directors. Keep up the great work and still love running along the river.

Two small comments.
1. Get rid of the park! IT is so depressing to see the finish line and have to run through St Mary's Park! I did it last year for half and was hoping it was gone for the 20. Please change it!
2. Ask the Dryer Medical folks to have salt! Many of us were cramping up and when I asked for salt, they looked at me with surprise - like what a great idea!

Pros: Great Organization. Great People (race directors to volunteers to spectators). Great Course. Great Support. Great Expo. Great Time. Great Finisher's Medals (one of the nicest I've seen).
Did I mention this race is great?!?
Everything you expect from a large well funded event without the crowds, traffic, cost, and chaos.

Cons: Not the race directors fault, but some construction along course. Long wait for massage at the finish. Confusing 'drink tab' locations. Warm soda at the finish. These are all minor issues and do not detract from the overall experience.

Another con? Hmmmmm..... I have to wait til next year to do it again!

Seriously, this is a great fall race if you're tired of running big city marathons with 30,000+ other runners. Come to the Fox Valley and enjoy yourself!

Loved the shade for most of the way. From a logistics standpoint, it's very easy for the runners and spectators. Parking very convenient. Nice shirt for the ladies.

Not sure why St. Charles would allow so many people to ride bikes on the trails during the marathon. The last thing I wanted to do on my 21 mile of my run is to dodge some rude cyclist. It's not only inconsiderate, its dangerous ! I don't think I will run this again because of the riders.