Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon
Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon
( 113 reviews )-
Chicago,
Illinois,
United States - July
- 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
- Road Race
- Event Website
Andrew
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I thought this was a well put together race. The first 6 miles are exactly what you would want (with a few more turns added). Running through the loop within the buildings is a fun experience and can get those who have run the Chicago Marathon before excited for the October race. The second half isn't nearly exciting however the fewer turns is nice, it allows you to get in a better groove. The race starts a little early, 6:30, but is necessary since it is in mid/late July.
Unfortunately the first have stages at every mile didn't have bands, a signature for a Rock N Roll event. Apparently the city of Chicago wouldn't let them play in certain areas which is too bad. The jugglers and stilt walkers that replaced the bands at these locations tried hard but weren't able to 'stand-up' to the entertainment a band would have provided. The only other thing that was surprising to me was that the half marathon and 5k finished together. This was less then ideal because the faster half marathon runners were finishing along with the walk/joggers in the 5k and things got a bit congested.
Overall it was a fun race. Expo was great, so many vendors, and the shirt and medal were really cool. I would recommend this race, it is fun to run down the streets of Chicago and it is a good way to get excited about the marathon in a few short months, just be sure to keep hydrated!