COVID-19 Updates – Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5K

Race Updates Due to COVID-19

Statement From the Race Directors

2020 has proven to be quite an unpredictable year for all of us. The uncertainly impacts us all in different ways. For us, as race directors, it causes us to think ahead to possible scenarios and plan what we think is the best approach in the interest of public health and safety of our runners, as well as everyone involved with the event. That said, we continue our planning efforts for the Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5K on October 18th.

However, this year is a different and has various considerations. We feel it’s important for us to open up to you, our runners, so you know what we’re thinking as we plan out the months ahead. As with any race year, the health and well-being of everyone is our utmost concern and we will follow the guidelines of the City of Naperville, Edward Hospital and Health Services, the CDC, Charities, Sponsors, and Volunteer teams. Following are the two scenarios we’re planning for and how we will work to accommodate our runners in whichever one occurs come October.

Scenario #1: The race will go on as planned, if deemed safe and is permitted based on health and safety guidelines, and sufficient resources are available to provide safety for our runners, volunteers, and spectators and to not stress our host communities. If this occurs, runners who wish to cross the traditional finish line are welcome to do so! But, we realize that some of our runners may not feel comfortable attending a crowded race. If this is the case for you, we STILL want you to be able to earn your medal, Legacy Award, or Chicagoland Distance Challenge medal. Therefore, we’re making accommodations, for this year only, that will work for everyone’s personal preference. We will offer runners an OPTION to pick up their packet at our curbside location, and then run on their own (a traditional virtual race). Runners who choose this virtual race option will still get their bib, race shirt, 1/4 zip, finisher medal, Triple Crown, Valley & ‘Ville, and legacy medals, legacy streak year, and 5-year 1/4 zips as eligible based on options chosen at registration.

Scenario #2: The actual physical race is not considered to be in the best interest and health of all. In the event that this scenario occurs, we will convert EVERYONE to a Virtual PLUS Race.

Learn More and Register for the Half Marathon

Learn More and Register for the 5K

Virtual PLUS FAQ

Can I get a refund?

Unfortunately as is customary and necessary in race production there are no refunds. However, we do offer race deferral options each year.

I’m not familiar with a virtual race, what is it?

A Virtual PLUS race is one that you run or walk at whatever location and time suits you best. Packet pickup will be at a curbside location, mailed, or hand delivered. Runners finish their race miles on their own time at their preferred location.

Why can’t you have the actual race?

While our intentions and planning are focused on producing the same great Naperville Half Marathon & 5K that runners enjoy each year, unfortunately this year’s pandemic has understandably caused most 2020 events across the country to be cancelled or postponed. While conditions continue to change daily the health and well-being of all participants and spectators is our utmost concern and decisions will always be made with that as our #1 priority.

What about my Legacy streak?

If you pick up your packet and the race becomes virtual, then you will receive credit for your Legacy streak this year.

What if I don’t want to run a virtual race?

Unfortunately, if the decision is made that the race will be virtual your only other option would be to defer your entry to 2021 prior to 9/1/2020.

Can I run a shorter race than I registered for?

As is our policy each year, runners can always run any distance shorter than what they registered for and still be an official finisher.

What if you have the race and but I’m uncomfortable being around others at that time?

If the actual race is determined to be safe and permitted based on health and safety guidelines but a runner would prefer not to participate they can run their own virtual race.

Can I register for just a virtual race?

No, unfortunately we need to prepare as if the actual race will occur with virtual being a second scenario.

What about my Triple Crown/Valley Ville medal?

If you signed up for these and meet the qualifications, upon finishing the Naperville Half you will receive (along with your many other items listed above) your Challenge Medal too!

About Us

Sponsored by Edward-Elmhurst Health, the Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon & 5K draws participants to Naperville’s lively downtown, historic sights and beautiful neighborhoods. Runners will delight in the kinetic atmosphere and well-managed course, made possible by extensive volunteer and spectator support.

Contact Us

Vendors
info@naperville26.com

Volunteers
Volunteers@naperville26.com