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Fox Valley Marathon Races

The Fox Valley Marathon offers a fast, certified course ideal for PRs and first-timers.

Race Date

Sep 20, 2026

Location

Saint Charles, IL

Standout79

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Location
Saint Charles, Illinois
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 20M, 5K run
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
13,984

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBeginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Fox Valley Marathon, held annually in St. Charles, Illinois, is a well-established event known for its fast, certified course. Since its inception in 2010, it has become a favorite for runners seeking personal bests, attracting approximately 930 finishers in recent years. The race also draws participants from around 19 states, highlighting its appeal beyond the local community.

This event is designed to accommodate a range of runners, from seasoned athletes aiming for a quick time to those new to the marathon distance. The course is noted for its minimal elevation changes, making it a prime candidate for achieving a new personal record. With a repeat-runner loyalty rate of about 35%, the Fox Valley Marathon has cultivated a dedicated following who return year after year for the reliable race experience.

Race-provided description

Fox Valley Marathon, Half Marathon, Fall Final 20 and 5K in St. Charles, IL. Ideal for veterans looking for a fast race, as well as first-timers.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Saint Charles, IL

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2M20M5K run

USATF Certified Course

IL25040NM · 2025 Fox Valley Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout79
Methodology
Heritage20/20

14 years running

Size15/15

~959 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

35% returning runners

Course & details7/15

USATF certified

National draw8/10

runners from 19 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:11:02

Weather0/10

typical high 77°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

60°

Afternoon (High)

77°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.2"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

71%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 13,984 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

13,984

Median time

2:15:38

Latest turnout

930

States

40

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:156:20

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Fox Valley Marathon Races?

The Fox Valley Marathon Races is held on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Where does the Fox Valley Marathon Races take place?

It takes place in Saint Charles, Illinois.

What distances does the Fox Valley Marathon Races offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 20M, 5K run.

Is the Fox Valley Marathon Races course flat and good for a PR?

The Fox Valley Marathon Races is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Fox Valley Marathon Races?

HalfRuns has finish records for 13,984 runners who have completed the Fox Valley Marathon Races.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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