Fox Valley Marathon
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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Fox River
Historic downtown St. Charles
Geneva riverfront
Authentic Dutch windmill in Batavia
North Aurora
Fox River Trail
Other distances available during the event weekend:
St. Charles, Illinois
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
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
Entry Methods
- Online registration via events.com
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
USATF-certified course and official Boston Marathon qualifier
Runners may drop to a shorter distance through race day
Virtual race option available September 1-30, 2026
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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