The word on the street was everything positive from spectators who had lined up along the sunny Edward Hospital Naperville Marathon route to watch some 3,500 expected runners participate in the morning event.
With temperatures hovering in the mid-40s, most folks were bundled up in winter jackets with hats and gloves as they gathered near the start/finish line, located on the North Central College Athletic Complex near Loomis and Porter streets.
Runners took off in waves of 100 individuals every 30 seconds to prevent congestion. Â While runners looped the routes, their support teams waited for a good showing with an abundance of resounding commentary.
“What a great day for a Marathon!”
“Do you have anybody running in the race?”
“I loved watching all the runners from our home along Bailey Road.”
“One of the runners was wearing a business suit in the spirit of the Turkey Trot 5K!”
“You have to admire everybody who enters and finishes the race!”
“I’ve never seen so much security in Naperville. The police seem to be everywhere.”
“We saw a couple fans in tutus who were cheering on the runners near Hobson.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day…Well, maybe it could be less windy.”
Over by the start/finish line, crowds waited patiently along the last leg of the route, where many individuals were ringing cow bells and others were  holding signs with inspirational way-to-go messages, noting endurance and dedication.  After crossing the finish line, runners were given a Heatsheet, one of those shiny foil-like blankets that keep the runners warm.
The Edward Hospital Naperville Marathon is a qualifying race for the 2015 Boston Marathon, now boasting Naperville winners in both the Marathon and Half Marathon.  The final tally presented 2,562 runners crossing the starting line, less than the 3,500 registered.
Naperville resident Yonatan Mascote came in first place, completing the run with a time of 2:34:25.
Naperville native Amanda Mirochna crossed the finish line in 2:50:15 as the women’s winner.
Congratulations to all dedicated participants, organizers and volunteers who enhanced a great day for running the new Naperville Marathon. What an accomplishment! Celebrate safely.
For more information and links to final race results, visit Naperville 26.
Turkey Trot 5K Update
Next Up! The Naperville Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot 5K begins at 8AM Thanksgiving Day!  That’s Thurs., Nov. 28 when Quigley’s Irish Pub opens in the early morning for cheers to the runners. Stay tuned for announcements of road closures that day, too. The 16th Annual Turkey Trot with 7,500 runners is sold out.  Run fast, eat later, no penalty!
