Sept 2, 2010
OPEN REGISTRATION FOR THE FULL MARATHON & HALF MARATHON IS CLOSED
For a very short time you can still get into either of these races but only through our Charity Partner Program. Visit our Charity webpage for details. The Dreyer Medical Clinic Fall Final 20 has only a few openings left in open registration and then will only be available through the Charity Partners.
Sept 1, 2010
Last Training Run! The last chapter for this year in the very popular course 'test drive' training runs is this weekend. This week we have a short 'fun run' to continue to taper. We'll meet SATURDAY (not the traditional Sunday) at Dick Pond Athletics at 6:30am. We'll probably only do about 6-8 miles so if you can make it please do!
Last week we had our largest crowd yet for the 20 mile run. Whether it was the chance to continue to get to know the course, meeting new runners, running the race route with experienced pace leaders or the now famous post race 'Freeze Pops' it all made for a great summer of training and we look forward to doing it again next year!
August 30, 2010
Our Medical Director has put together a medical guide for our runners. Please take a look at it to find out what medical services will be available on the course, how you should hydrate before, during and after your race, what is our storm safety plan and more.
August 27, 2010
 Welcome to our newest gold sponsor: AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy will be onsite providing pre and post race stretching for all interested participants at the 2010 Fox Valley Marathon. With over 50 locations in Illinois and Milwaukee, including St. Charles and South Elgin, AthletiCo is the chosen rehabilitation provider for the endurance community.
August 26, 2010
 Can't run on September 19th but you want to be a part of the fun? Come and join our large group of volunteers. (Volunteers will receive t-shirts.)
See more information on volunteering and sign up.
August 25, 2010
Renowned runner Moody returns home for Fox Valley Marathon
 The First Annual Fox Valley Marathon is hitting home for a lot of runners, but it’s the homecoming of one particular runner that is really drawing attention.
Tera Moody, a native of St. Charles, is coming home to participate in the Dreyer Medical Clinic Fall Final 20 on Sept. 19 to help her prepare for the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10.
“We’re so honored to have Tera coming to our race,” Fox Valley Marathon co-founder Dave Sheble said. “She has accomplished so much in her running career. We’re very proud to be able to accommodate Tera for the event and to be able to help her along in her training for the Chicago Marathon in October.”
Read more about Tera Moody...
 August 24, 2010
HOT off the presses!
Runners Guide (pdf format, 1.6MB)
Spectators Guide (pdf format, 2.5 MB)
August 18, 2010
Continuing the popular course 'test drive' training runs Sunday runners were
able to see the east side of the course south of Batavia for the first time
in the series. Those who did were treated to the trail as it winds through
Red Oak and Glenwood Forest Preserves before turning back at the beautiful
(and loud) North Aurora Dam. Runners also continue to comment how shaded
most of the course is!
Another great feature of each training run is being able to practice the
mental and physical finish runners will see on September 19th. Runners
enjoy coming north out of Geneva, seeing the bridges in the distance,
finally turning the corner on the Illinois St bridge and crossing the finish
line! This has been especially helpful for our first time marathoners!
We also previewed the Fox Valley Marathon Performance Tech shirt worn by our
pace leaders. You can get yours at select Dick Pond Athletics stores now.
The next training run is Sunday August 29th, 6:30am at Dick Pond Athletics
St. Charles.
August 15, 2010
They have arrived! The Official Fox Valley Marathon hats and training shirts are in stock now at the Dick Pond stores in St. Charles, Carol Stream, Lisle and Schaumburg. The shirts are custom printed SweatVac
Performance Tech short sleeve tees. Supplies are limited so get
yours today!
And now that the weather is finally cooler, you are thinking sweat shirt, right? They will be here soon.
August 12, 2010
Fox Valley to Host First Marathon in 30 Years
By Hal Conick,
St. Charles Republican
Posted Aug 11, 2010 @ 11:01 AM
"For St. Charles resident Don Augustine, there’s nothing better than a run to clear his mind."
"Augustine is training for the first Fox Valley Marathon, which will take place Sept. 19 throughout St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora and Aurora."
 "Dave Sheble, co-founder of the Fox Valley Marathon, said he believes the race is the first of its kind in the Fox Valley area since a 1980 marathon in Aurora."
Read the full article.
August 12, 2010
New Marathon Course Map: (626KB PDF format) uploaded - small changes made to the course.
August 11, 2010
Limited Half Marathon Spots!!
GOOD NEWS for those of you who missed out on the Fox Valley Half Marathon !!
 Recent flexibility in our courses due to the hard work of the host communities and race Medical Teams, means that A LIMITED NUMBER OF FOX VALLEY HALF MARATHON ENTRIES HAVE OPENED UP, accessible through our Fox Valley Marathon Races Charity Partner program. Each of the Charity Partners has been given a small number of Half Marathon entry/discount codes. These codes guarantee entry, plus give runners a 50% discount off of their race entry fee.
For a $100 contribution to the Charity Partner of your choice,
you can get one of these limited codes that allows you
to enter the Fox Valley Half Marathon for a $40.00 entry fee.
It's a great chance to help out some of your neighbors in need,
and to be a part of an otherwise sold-out event in the Fox Valley Marathon Races' inaugural year!
THE NUMBER OF HALF MARATHON ENTRY CODES ARE LIMITED. If you want to be a part of the half marathon in its inaugural year,act quickly. Visit the Charity Partner page and contact the Charity Partner of your choice quickly. Only runners registered for the Half Marathon will be allowed on the half course.
Note: Other Charity Partners may still have codes if your first choice has sold out. The Charity Partner program offers the same 50% discount for the:
- Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon
- and the Dreyer Medical Clinic Fall Final 20
August 10, 2010
 Our on course fluids will be refreshing Hinckley Springs water from our Gold Sponsor. We also will have traditional lemon-lime Gatorade.
We have also partnered with Pacific Health Labs to provide Accel Gel on the course for the 20's and marathoners. Accel Gel will also be offered three weeks later at the Chicago marathon. They have also provided their popular Forze nutrition bars that will be in each runner's goody bag.
August 9, 2010
Packet Pickup:
For your convenience, packet pickup is available at several Dick Pond Athletics stores on the dates and times listed. Please bring a copy of your drivers license to pick your packet up. Want to pick up a friend’s packet too? No problem, just bring a copy of their license too.
Click here for dates, times and stores.
August 9, 2010
 Dreyer Medical Clinics has elevated their sponsorship involvement from Gold to the name sponsor for the very popular Fall Final 20!
"Dreyer Medical Clinic is very proud to be the name sponsor for the Dreyer Medical Clinic Fall Final 20," Dreyer Medical Clinic Marketing Communications Specialist Abby Georgacopoulos said. "Already being a Gold level sponsor for the Fox Valley Marathon, and providing Sports Medicine leadership and coverage for the entire event, it seemed like a perfect fit for us once we heard the extra sponsorship opportunity was available."
"Dreyer is expanding our sports medicine presence throughout the greater Fox Valley area and this event is a perfect way to tie health care and athletics together. Dreyer Medical Clinic has had a strong presence in the Fox Valley since our Clinic was established in 1922 and we are proud to support such an exciting event in our community."
August 8, 2010
Training Run Schedule for remaining free course 'test drive' training runs. These have grown in popularity since they started and we'd love to have you out with us. Training runs are free whether you're registered or not.
Virtually every pace group needed has been covered and in every group there has been a 'course tour guide' to lead and answer questions along the way. The whole idea is to get you and your fellow runners comfortable with the course before September 19th so you arrive that day relaxed and ready to go!
Due to popular request we are changing from Saturday mornings to Sunday mornings for the duration with the exception of the final run Saturday Sept. 4th.
Sunday August 15
6:30am
Distances (announced in next newsletter)
Sunday August 29
6:30am
Distances (announced in next newsletter)
The final training run will be Saturday Sept. 4th with details to follow.
All runs are scheduled to start at Dick Pond Athletics in St. Charles and include start/finish water, on course water and bathrooms at select points on the course. And since it's an out and back runners can easily adjust their target distances by turning back when needed!
August 3, 2010
 We are delighted to announce that MarathonPacing.com will lead our pace groups. They are an experienced, nationwide team that will help guide you to a personal best,
a Boston Qualification, a first time finish, or to reach your goal, whatever it may be.
Choose your Pace Group Times and Leaders (subject to change).
July 30, 2010
WELCOME to our newest bronze level sponsors!
July 29, 2010
 Ginsberg Chiropractic will provide post race massages and stretching.
July 24, 2010
 More good news! With your donation to one of our charities, we now offer a 50% discount on our race registration.
And...we have added another charity to our Charity Partner Program: CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for
...the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile and
Probate Court systems.
July 23, 2010
August training runs will be on Sundays - August 1 and August 15. Meet us at the St. Charles Dick Pond at 6:30 am. Water is available at a couple of spots along the way as are bathrooms.
The runs are free and all runners are welcome whether registered or not!
July 17 Training Run Group
 July 13, 2010
It's official, we are a USATF certified course meaning we are a Boston Qualifier! (Certificate #IL10070DW)
July 9, 2010
The Marathon Men
By JAY SCHWAB, published 7/9/2010
 Craig Bixler and Dave Sheble already have a sense for how runners will feel when they complete the inaugural Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon.
Exhausted, physically and emotionally spent, yet already reaping deep gratification, the St. Charles men are the head organizers for the new marathon, set for Sept. 19. The marathon will start and end in St. Charles and wind through Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora and Aurora.
Read the article...
July 9, 2010
Tick..tick...tick...
Price increase coming.....!
As of today we have runners coming from 25 states from Hawaii to New York City, Minnesota to Florida! We're nearly 3/4 full so If you've been waiting to register for the Inaugural Fox Valley Marathon or Fall Final 20 this would be a great time to do so!
Want another reason? July 15th is the next price increase until we fill so save money and come join the party!
Waiting for the Boston Qualifier announcement? Don't let that stop you now, see the Course Certification update below.
Still have questions? We're here to help so email us at info@foxvalleymarathon.com
July 9, 2010
Course certification update
The course measurement process is now completed and the required paperwork has been submitted to USATF for final approval.
While this is a very tedious process it went extremely well. We don't anticipate the approval taking long and once we have our certification number we'll post it the website as well as in our next newsletter. This is exciting news!
July 3, 2010
'Test Drive' Training Runs on the  Course:
Great turnout last Saturday on our second course 'test drive'! Every pace group requested was available and the weather was perfect!
On the off weeks we also recommend traveling south down the course, parking and running the bottom portions of the course. Both sides of the course (east and west) offer miles of beautiful shaded path south of Batavia.
One of the many great features of the Fox Valley Marathon is the ability to train on the course all summer.
Be sure to join us on some of these runs, every second weekend from now through late August to get a look at the course and to make race day as familiar as possible - great crowd, great company, and the miles fly by. The runs are free and all runners are welcome whether registered or not!
UPCOMING 'TEST DRIVE' TRAINING RUN
Saturday July 17 - Test Drive #3
13-14 mile run on the course
6:30 AM, meet at Dick Pond Athletics, St. Charles
Water is available at a couple of spots along the way as are bathrooms.
June 28, 2010
Geneva favors Fox Valley Marathon plans
City council committee gives preliminary OK to event road closures
By Susan Sarkauskas, Published: 6/29/2010
"The Fox Valley Marathon received preliminary approval Monday night from the Geneva city council committee of the whole to close parts of Route 31, Stevens Street, River Lane and State Street for the races."
"The event includes a half-marathon, a 20-mile race and a full marathon. Runners will start in downtown St. Charles, run south on Route 31 to Stevens, east on Stevens to River, south to State Street, east over the bridge, then down a ramp and on to the Fox River Trail."
Read the article...
June 27, 2010
Dick Pond to sponsor Fox Valley Marathon
Daily Herald Staff Report, Published: 6/27/2010
"The inaugural season of Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon will take place Sunday, Sept. 19 beginning in St. Charles and extending south along the Fox River, dipping through Geneva, Batavia and North Aurora before reaching Aurora and circling back around. A half-marathon and 20-mile run are also available options."
Read the article...
June 20, 2010
Upcoming Training Seminars - Dick Pond Athletics Marathon Series
Dick Pond Athletics is sponsoring a series of free marathon seminars at the Carol Stream, Lisle, Saint Charles, and Schaumburg stores.
See below and the Dick Pond Athletics website for details.
Weekly Topic: Train For Success
June 21, Mon 7PM, Carol Stream Store
June 22, Tues 7PM, Schaumburg Store
June 23, Wed 7PM, Saint Charles Store
June 8, 2010
The Fox Valley Marathon is pleased to announce our latest Gold Level Sponsor, Dreyer Medical Clinic.
The Fox Valley Marathon is pleased to announce our new Charity Partnership Program. See the Charity Partner Program page for details on how we can work together to help those in need.
Special event accommodations pricing is now available. See our brochure of Marathon
Accommodations & Special Rates (PDF format) for details.
May 18, 2010
The Fox Valley HALF MARATHON has now reached capacity,
and HALF MARATHON registration is closed !
The registration pace for both the Marathon and the Fall Final 20 is brisk,
and is accelerating each week,
but both remain open due to higher capacity limits for those races.
We're sorry for those who missed the half. The level of registration frenzy this last week caught us by surprise,
and we were not able to get a Half Marathon warning up in time.
We will anticipate better and get a warning up
as the Marathon and the Fall Final 20 near their limits.
May 13, 2010
The Fox Valley Marathon is pleased to announce that we are now the
Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon.
Dick Pond Athletics, the oldest running specialty store in the nation,
is now the premier sponsor for the midwest's newest marathon.
Dick Pond has been taking great care of runners
throughout the Western Suburbs for years,
and will now take good care of all of our Fox Valley Marathon runners.
We are delighted to have such a quality sponsor on board.
Stay tuned for direct benefits to registered runners,
including hosting of on-course runs
and added convenience for packet pickups the week before the race.
 May 11, 2010
The Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon and the Fox Valley Half Marathon are now USATF 2010 Sanctioned Events !
April 29, 2010
Special thanks to our newest Sponsors
TrainedForChange.com
Personal Training and
Fitness Consultation
Pella Window & Door Store
It’s not just home improvement – it’s life improvement.
Storino, Ramello & Durkin
Attorneys at Law
April 25, 2010
Registrations
We now have registrants from 5 states (as far away as New York).
April 23, 2010
To our Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon friends,
The flowers are blooming, the weather is getting nice, and the race committee members have been out on the course, running sections of it, biking the full marathon course, and hiking with camera in hand.
Although we’ve logged many miles along the Fox River trails over the years, we’re looking at it from a whole new perspective now. Our runners will absolutely love this course. If you’re in the Chicago area, it’s worth a weekend morning drive to do a training run or family bike along the river.
Once summer starts and marathon training is in full swing, plan on joining us for one of several organized Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon training runs. We’ll cover the entire route over the course of the summer, so when race day arrives, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
We’ve got some great pictures on Facebook, and we will be adding more as the season progresses.
Take care and happy running.
The Dick Pond Athletics Fox Valley Marathon Race Committee
| 
