calendar icon Dec 24, 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 321 to 331]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 31 32 33 34 35 .. 43 > ]

 

dan mihail cristescu from Bucharest,Romania (10/11/2011)
"A life time memory.Thank you" (about: 2011)

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


Thank you guys.lt was more than expected.Every single aspect of this race was nothing but perfect.l was impresed by the people suporting us despite the weather and the early hour.The volunteers were more than helpfull and there were a lot of energy sopliments along the route,it seemed to be endless.l had few small problems in 2 short sections when l had to decrease the speed because it was too narrow,slipery and it was a bit crowded.l am sorry l couldn't come to celebrate with you because l was very tired,l would have liked to meet you and thank you for the way the race was organised.As a foreigner with no family or friends to suport me,l'd been a bit afraid l was about to feel lonely but the spectators were fantastic.They gave me the feeling l was running for them.Thanks to all of you who made this possible,l am very pleased l could take part and maybe some time in the future l'll be able to visit again your nice places.

 

J. R. from Algonquin, IL (10/10/2011)
"Fantastic Marathon" (about: 2011)

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


PreRace communication was thorough, training runs on the course were well organized, and the course itself was scenic. This marathon was well organized and the volunteers went the extra mile to help in any way possible. I recommend the FVM to beginners as well as seasoned veterans.

 

R. C. from Atlanta,GA ,USA (10/4/2011)
"Great Pacers" (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Excellent race for a BQ. Pacer Annie (3:40) was dead on for the pace I wanted at the half split. Ran a negative split of 1:50:30 / 1:47:07. Gave the spectators 5 stars because I usually do not need spectators.However, one lady stood out.Mile markers 17 and 20, I think,she was shouting for me to get back in the pack. I did.Thanks.

 

K. H. from USA (10/4/2011)
"The race was well organized." (about: 2011)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Overall the race was well organized. Water stops were prepared and had enough water/gatorade. The course is scenic, though the out and back some might find boring. I didn't think the course was quite as 'flat' as described. There are a few smallish hills, some areas where you are on grass briefly as well, and some areas where the course twists/turns. There is a fairly steep (but short) incline at mile 20. Crowd support comes and goes. An easy to access race in a beautiful community.

 

S. B. from Fox River Grove, IL (10/4/2011)
"Great venue, personal touches, communication" (about: 2011)

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


The organizers did an excellent job of providing clear and regular communications over the summer and leading up to the race. When I was unsure about my registration, I e-mailed and received a very personal response within an hour and thanking me for joining the FVM family. That sense of closeness was pervasive through the bibs with names, calling out one's name when crossing the finish line, etc. Such a beautiful course. We had drizzle about 75% of the time, but the tree canopy along the trail would make this nice in rain or sun. The final finish approach across the bridge was electrifying. All in all a very satisfying experience. Only minor suggestion would be to have the bib numbers be printed on stronger-weave material. With the rain, many peoples' bibs fell off or were unrecognizable for photo searches, etc.

 

G. S. from North Aurora, IL (10/3/2011)
"Great race, well organized" (about: 2011)

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


A beautiful course. Well organized with lots of runner support.

 

B. P. from Chicago (9/24/2011)
"Terrific Organization, Not a 'Fast Course'" (about: 2011)

2 previous marathons | 1 Fox Valley Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Five stars on organization, race logistics and management. People were great as well. Good course for those who are looking for an interesting run with plenty of support for water and aid stations. Unfortunately, I was expecting a really fast course so I could qualify for Boston. Found the course to be more narrow and hilly than I was expecting. While there were very few big hills, the little hills and tight turns made it a bit challenging with pace groups to keep in a groove. Also, found that sharing the trail with bikes and returning loop runners to add some difficulty. Not a top BQ race in my mind, but definitely a well organized event.

 

M. H. from Elmhurst, Il (9/23/2011)
"Small, friendly marathon." (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I decided to do this marathon this year, because last year, I found the Chicago Marathon way too crowded to be enjoyable. I am very happy with my choice, Fox Valley Marathon is a great small race, I found the course to be perfect, volunteers, small expo, shirt, as well.

 

A. B. from Riverwoods, IL, USA (9/21/2011)
"Fantastic race; organization was outstanding." (about: 2011)

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


In the last three years, I have run several marathons(BCM in Jacksonville, FL; St. George (UT), Dallas (TX), Boston (MA), Corning (NY)), half marathons including (Deadwood Mickelson Trail (SD), Chesebro Trail (CA)), and volunteered at the Chicago Marathon. The Fox Valley Marathon was the smallest of these events; however, the organization and event management was unrivaled.

From the Dick Pond course preview runs, to the Spectators and Runners guides, to the emails, the pre-race engagement was outstanding. I was astonished at the enthusiasm of the volunteers at the water stops on the course (loved the XC teams and the kids in superhero costumes!), and the crowd support despite unpleasant spectator weather. The names on our race bibs helped keep runners motivated, as strangers encouraged us by name. There was a young couple who called out to me on three or four different places on the course...as if they had come just to see me race.

Post-race, the medical professionals were fantastic. All the food was good, but the beef was brilliant. I could have eaten a whole cow. Next year they should offer takeaway, so those of us who were a little too tired to cook could have bought carryout to share with our families.

I wish I could thank everyone personally. It was a wonderful race for runners and spectators alike.

My only suggestion for improvement is that the pace group leaders be more sensitive to those who choose not to run in pace groups. Please tell the groups not to exceed 2 abreast on the trail, so that they can be passed without runners having to go off the course.

 

K. R. from Champaign, Illinois (9/21/2011)
"Run this marathon!" (about: 2011)

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


Rarely is an event as good as advertised and this was no exception: it was BETTER than advertised! The course was BEAUTIFUL and the fan support was UNBELIEVABLE, despite the rainy conditions. My advice is to run this marathon and experience it for yourself!

 

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