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Fox Valley Marathon

September 20, 2026 · 7:00 AMSt. Charles, IL, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

63°F

59–81°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

499ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Participants

497

Intimate field

Crowd Rating

4/ 10

Moderate spectator support

The Lowdown

The Fox Valley Marathon is a USATF-certified, Boston Marathon qualifying race held every September in St. Charles, Illinois, along the scenic Fox River. Runners start and finish in historic downtown St. Charles, following flat, shaded paved trails through Geneva, Batavia -- home to an authentic Dutch windmill -- and North Aurora before a scenic finish across the Fox River. The event also offers a Half Marathon, a 20-mile Fall Final 20 race, and a 5K, drawing a small, supportive field with frequent aid stations and dedicated volunteer support. With roughly 90 feet of elevation change on an out-and-back course along the Fox River Trail, it's a popular choice for runners chasing a personal record or a Boston Qualifier in the Chicago suburbs.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online registration via events.com
Eligibility: Must be 18 or older on race day for the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 20 Mile
Must be 6 or older on race day for the 5K
Required Documents: Photo ID for in-person packet pickup
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No registration refunds or runner transfers for any reason
Deferral available through 7/31 for a $35 fee; virtual-race switch available through 9/11

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer499ft gain, 63°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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