General Info
Price: $59 - 10k / $39 - 5k (these are the 2022 early registration prices)
Date I ran it: 9/10/22
Participants: 1,331 (2022)
Weather: sunny, high 70s and humid (2022)
Overall Opinion:
It was a nice event with top notch photo opportunities if that's what you're into. I most likely wouldn't do it again because it's inconvenient to go downtown for the race and the packet pickup. It’s a Chicago summer race, so don’t be surprised if it’s hot and you run a slower time than expected. It’s a great race for someone that lives close to downtown Chicago, or someone from out of town that wants to experience the city.
Pros
- Great scenery of the magnificent mile, Lake Michigan, Grant Park, and downtown Chicago.
- A lot of water stations, I believe there were 4 on the 10k course and 2 on the 5k course.
- Plenty of porta potties, I didn’t see a line at any of the on course ones and the pre-race line was only 5 minutes.
- The food afterwards was really good.
- It’s a fast flat course for the most part.
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey for a shorter distance race, the stuff that’s included is nice but it drove up the price.
- The course was a little narrow at parts and I had to zig zag around people, especially along the lake, but it wasn’t too bad.
- Early September is usually hot and humid in Chicago. You will most likely run a faster time in a fall race.
- It’s a lot of hassle for a short race. You have to go into downtown Chicago twice, for the packet pickup and the race.
- You’ll have to pay to park or take public transportation.
- I don't like the jacket, it feels and looks cheap. I would prefer a high quality t-shirt.
