My father was in the Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He passed away a few years ago, and I ran this race in his memory in 2014 with his ribbons and service record pinned on my back. What a moving experience that was.

Everyone who enlists in the Navy these days passes through the Great Lakes Naval Station for their basic training, and this is one of the few times the public is allowed on base. Bit of an effort to navigate the parking and the buses, and the scenery isn't fabulous, but you feel it. You just feel it--the honor and pride of those who served, everywhere you look. And stepping up to the start line with active service people in the pack and lining the chute? Wow.

It's August in Chicago so the heat in itself can make this challenging--don't know how people manage the longer race. The course is relatively flat except for "Hero Hill," which is steep and challenging and seems to go on a bit longer than necessary--I'm sure the recruits just love it. Plenty of post-race refreshment at the finish line, some folks were walking away with cartons of giveaways.

The race t-shirt is nice enough, as were the finisher dogtag medals. Free race photos too. The age-group awards though...was lucky enough to get a first in hot and humid conditions (last man standing no doubt), and the race directors said the awards would be coming in the mail...right, right? Waited a few weeks, envelope finally came, wasn't expecting much, especially for the shorter race. The medal/keychain came wrapped in a velvet pouch and was just exquisite. Thoughtfully done with care and class. Made me think of my dad and all the sacrifice of generations of sailors. One of my more treasured race memorabilia.