The Frank Lloyd Wright Races in Oak Park is a well-run town event that attracts competitive runners because the courses are so flat and fast--not easy to medal here. Both are through nice neighborhoods, but only the 10k passes the historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Easy to lose your concentration as you're trying to pick out and admire the architecture.

More than a few families in the neighborhood set up bands or speakers in front of their homes to cheer on the runners. There's shelter pre-race in the Oak Park River Forest High School gym, with gear check etc, and a dozen sponsors/vendors waiting as you exit the chute at the finish.

Well done, always fun, and always fast. Will be back in 2015 with a GoPro, running the 10k for the third time.