My first marathon.Good crowds of spectators, good course for a first timer, I took advantage of the training runs on the weekends and really enjoyed the experience.

I've run 15 marathons, from Chicago and Marine Corps to Miami and New York. This is a favorite, friendly, right-sized, excellent course, and hometown. They do great work, highly recommended. And timed just right to do 2 in a season!

My first marathon was a great experience. I just wish I would have felt up to checking out the tents or a bar after the race. Dehydration took over and I needed home. Unbelievable amount of supporters and so many water stops. Amazing race!!

I loved this marathon, the course the spectators, and the organization were 1st class. If you want to run a marathon with great organization, plenty of fluid stops, great crowd support then this one is the one to do. As I ran the Dayton marathon the day before I took my time on this one and there was still plenty of food and drink at the finish.

FVM was definitely the best marathon experience I've had thus far. All of the training runs leading up to the marathon were terrific. The race leaders and volunteers were great-always had a smile on their face, and were so encouraging. I can't wait to run 2013!

This was my 4th marathon - second Fox Valley, and it was a terrific experience. More than any other race - this race has got to be the tops for pre-race communication and motivation. The free training runs which cover the majority of the course over the summer are an excellent way for local runners to practice where the race will be! The course is primarily along the shaded bike path which parallels the Fox River - and though this race has grown - the course is very manageable and uncrowded. It's also rather flat - there's a couple rolling 'Illinois' hills (bumps). Nice expo - great organization - lots of little touches like names on bibs, 'endurance medals' for repeat racers, a nice greeting at the finish line, and volunteers who call you by name really make you feel great! Can't wait to do it again in 2013!

This race has by far been the best organized race I have ever done. The course is spectacular, the volunteers/course support excellent and the community it is held it is second to none. This is now a yearly tradition for myself.

I loved how scenic the path was. Very shaded, and easy to follow. The spectators were great - some hilarious and kept my spirit up when it got tough near the end. From start to finish, this race was a great experience!!!

I chose the Fox Valley Marathon for my first marathon, hoping to BQ, and I did. It's a relatively flat, scenic and mostly shaded paved course that was in good condition. There was an ample number of enthusiastic volunteers; it almost seemed like a 1 to 1 ratio of volunteers to runners. The spectators were also friendly and enthusiastic.

For a rookie marathoner, I really appreciated the course preview runs in the weeks leading up to the marathon. I did two of the runs, a 16 miler and a 20 miler, and was able to run almost all of the course. That familiarity was comforting for me - no course surprises and I knew what to expect.

Parking was within a block of the start and free. Plenty of port a johns and aid stations on the course. The finish area had lots to eat and drink.

The starting process consisted of waves of about 100 runners on the honor system. The first couple miles of the course are on a road before descending towards the river trail. The starting process worked well with a lack of the crowding and jostling that I've experienced in other races. It was easy to get into a comfortable running pace.

Overall, a great marathon for rookies, BQ'ers and everybody else.

This was my second year running the Fox Valley Marathon and 13th marathon overall. I will run this marathon every year I am able. The date is perfect early fall to feel ready for another fall marathon or relieved to be done before the Chicago Marathoners start their taper. The course is beautiful and easy for my family to navigate to see me at multiple spots. It is not too crowded, but a good size so you don't feel alone like other marathons I've run. From optional training runs along the course all summer long, to packet pick up, and all the way to post race refreshments it is a top notch event and well organized.