Join us this summer as we prepare for the Fox Valley Half and Full Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Naperville Half Marathon and any other race your planning!
Since our start in 1997, FRTR has helped thousands of runners complete the Chicago Marathon, Fox Valley and many other fall races. We've helped tens of thousands of aspiring runners and seasoned veterans make it to the finish line, and we can help you too!
Interested in joining Fox River Trail Runners...click here.
Registration fees
Marathon - FRTR Member Closed
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$69.00Apr 1 - Jul 30
Marathon - Non-FRTR Member Closed
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$79.00Apr 1 - Jul 30
Half Marathon - FRTR Member Closed
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$49.00Apr 1 - Jul 30
Half Marathon - Non-FRTR Member Closed
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$59.00Apr 1 - Jul 30
Why Train With Us
We offer three training plans for both the half (11 week) and full marathon (18 week) runners. Whether this is your first, fifth or fifteenth event we have a plan for you. Our flexible plans are based upon YOUR race.
You'll be assigned to one of our six RRCA Certified Running Coaches who will help guide you to your goals
Our training plans provide a balance of miles, intensity and recovery. Plans are electronic via Final Surge. You can view your plan on virtually any Internet connected device. Easily update actual runs versus planned runs to see your progress.
We have many group runs.
- Wednesday night, 6 PM at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve,
- Saturday morning, 6:30 AM, starting at the Fabyan Windmill at the Fabyan East Forest Preserve, Shelter #3
- Saturday group run includes multiple pace groups and hydration stops.
- Sunday morning, 7 AM, starting at the Fabyan Windmill at the Fabyan East Forest Preserve, Shelter #3
In addition to training with us, you receive free access to our private club tent for the Fox Valley Half/Marathon and access to our hospitality suite for the Chicago Marathon. This includes gear check, bathrooms, food, water, and Gatorade.
Training Schedules for each of this Fall's Big Races
Our flexible training plans can be adjusted for any fall full or half marathon. You may join our group runs at any time; however, the "official" start dates for training for each of the primary races are:
- Advocate Health Care Fox Valley Marathon: Training starts Monday, May 20, first Long Run Saturday, May 25
- Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Training starts Monday, June 10, first Long Run Saturday, June 15
- Advocate Health Care Fox Valley Half-Marathon: Training starts Monday, July 1, first Long Run Saturday, July 6
- Healthy Driven Naperville Half-Marathon: Training starts Monday, August 5, first Long Run Saturday, August 10
- Don't see your race listed, let us know and we will customize your plan!
Training Plans for All Levels of Experience
We offer three different plans for both the marathon and half marathon. Select the plan that fits your experience during registration.
- "Blue" Beginner Plan: For a marathon, you will run 18-20 miles per week with a long run of at least 6 miles. For the half marathon, you will have a long run of at least 4 miles and be running 3-4 days per week. In general, select the Blue Plan if you are new to distance running. However, if you have other racing experience and the mileage base, consider an Orange or Purple Plan.
- "Orange" Intermediate Plan: For a marathon you will run 20-30 miles per week with a long run of at least 8 miles. For the half marathon, you will run 20-25 miles per week with a long run of at least 6 miles. This plan will mostly involve running 4 days per week, but may have some instances of an additional run in some peak weeks.
- "Purple" Advanced Plan: With this plan, for either the half or marathon, you will run 30 or more miles per week with a long run of at least 10 miles. The weekly mileage may be slightly lower for the half marathon. This plan calls for running five days a week. You are an experienced distance runner or have endurance racing experience.
Suggested Experience
Experience is not necessary, but in order to enhance your opportunity for success, we strongly encourage you to have an adequate training base in place before entering the program. We recommend the following:
Marathoners
- You have been running consistently for at least one year
- You are running at least 18 miles per week on a regular basis
- You have completed one run of 6 miles or more within the previous month
Half Marathoners
- Running at any pace two to three days a week (see starting mileage above)
- You have completed one run of 4 miles or more within the previous month
Event schedule
- Mon, May 6, 2019 12:00 AM - Training starts
- Sat, May 18, 2019 7:00 AM - First Group Run at the Windmill
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ravi Sundara & Kelly Lauffer
- Website
- Visit website