Above / Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium on the campus of North Central College provided the setting for the first and final lap of the Women’s Half Marathon on April 24, 2016. Coincidentally, six years later, the event returns on April 24, 2022. (PN Photo 2016)
Update, April 23, 2022 / Saturday afternoon workers were busy assembling displays, signs and banners around the Jay and Dot Buikema Track at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium for the Naperville Women’s Half-Marathon and 5K, set to begin at 7AM Sun., April 24.
Residents are reminded to be prepared for traffic slow-downs until noon. Also watch for runners and walkers throughout the downtown neighborhoods and on major streets along the designated route Sunday morning.
For last-minute registration information, visit napervillewomenshalf.events/registration/. According to the event website, at 6PM Saturday, registration remains open.
Original Post, April 24, 2016 / Oh, what a gorgeous day for a morning run!
Congratulations to participants of the first-ever Women’s Half Marathon and 5K in Naperville.
Organized by Premier Event Management, the running and walking event designed for female-only runners of all ability levels was hosted by North Central College and presented by the Naperville Running Company.
Beneficiaries of the inaugural run will be Little Friends, Inc., and 360 Youth Services.
The race began and ended at the campus of North Central College with a 7AM start for the half marathon, followed at 7:20AM by the 5K.
With cheering spectators lining the route, runners traveled along the east lane of Washington Street, through residential neighborhoods, downtown Naperville and back to North Central College.
PN’s photographer caught up with the half-marathon about two hours into the run, watching participants wind through Fredenhagen Park, cross the Moser Covered Bridge and follow the Riverwalk extension for the last one-half mile toward the finish line set up in Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
We enjoyed taking photos of a small sampling of half-marathon runners from numerous spectator views along the community’s natural treasure as it leads to Fredenhagen Park and North Central College.
We appreciated observing the attitude of gratitude expressed by Volun-cheers and many of the participants.
And congratulations to the 2016 winners…
The first-place winner of the Women’s Half-Marathon was Julie Favorite, age 23, Wheaton, with a time of 1:22:04. Second and third places went to Naperville runners, Marisa Hird, age 29, with at time of 1:23:44; followed by Andrea Kruszka, age 29, 1:24:19.
The first-place winner of the Women’s 5K was Jennifer Garrison, age 37, Naperville, with a time of 19:33. Second place went to Kate Frydryk, age 23, Chicago, 20:56. Third place went to Erin Kubinski, age 42, Shorewood, 21:19.
According to results, it appears that 1,107 runners finished the Half Marathon and 799 completed the 5K.
Thanks to all who participated on behalf of Little Friends Inc. and 360 Youth Services.
For all the official results, visit edge.raceresults360.com.
