Hills are a relative term in the Chicago area. What we call hills here aren't even noticeable in other parts of the country. But for the flatlanders we are, the hills in the Moraine Hills Run for the Hills course are enough of a challenge to be mentioned twice in the race name.

Both the half marathon and the 10k take place on the crushed gravel trails of Moraine Hills State Park, surrounding Lake Defiance, the last untouched natural glacially-formed lake in the US. The setting is just spectacular--pretty enough in the spring and summer, stunningly beautiful in October when these races are held.

The start and finish for both races are by the Northern Woods parking lot deep inside the park. Get there early enough and there is plenty of parking. Both races start together in waves--there is no chip timing, it's done by hand, and the waves are time-staggered by 30 seconds to relieve congestion on the course as well as make sure the timers can get everyone sorted out at the finish line. I've run this race twice and my official time has been accurate both times.

Aside from a slight climb off the start line, the course is mostly flat, even a little download, for the first mile across the northern park of the lake. A right turn takes you alongside the roadway, and you can see the hills looming in front of you--the first is somewhat steep with a few crests, and you're on a rollercoaster for a while. If you're trained up, it's nothing you can't handle--the downhills are always an issue though, and these are steep grades, so it's probably not a bad idea to wear some extra cushioning even though most of the paths are gravel. (There are some asphalt areas to prevent erosion.)

Miles 3 and 4 are relatively flat, with some mild inclines, then it's back on the roller coast again for miles 5 and 6. The entire 10k course has about 270 feet of elevation gain, which isn't trivial if you haven't been running at least some semblance of hills.

Everyone runs together until about the 6 mile mark, then the 10k splits off to the finish line and the half marathon take off for...well I haven't run the half here, so I'm not entirely sure. Some more hills somewhere, no doubt.

Here's some GoPro footage of the entire 10k course, shot in the spring. As beautiful as it is in May, it's even more spectacular in October. https://youtu.be/OvjvEpyRqc4

Usual fare at the finish--bagels, bananas, oranges etc at a picnic area. The race benefits the Park, so they're careful with their money and the impact. There do give out nice finisher's medals for both distances, and have age group awards three deep. The race shirts are nice even though they do seem to come up with the funkiest possible combinations of blue and green. And only 400 runners total!

The weather is worth mentioning too. First ran Moraine Hills in 2012, it was 74 degrees with 94% humidity. People were drenched just waiting for the races to start. Year later, it was 36 degrees at start time, with whipping winds and snow/ice flurries. You just never know what you're going to get in Chicago.

Will be back for a threepeat this year, wearing a GoPro again for actual race day. One more time!