Registration: Available online, starting around $70, increasing to $90 near race day. You could also register at various packet pick up locations, until race was sold out. A $20 Fleet Feet gift card was incentive in the later days of registration. Included with registration was a Nike, gender specific tech tee, bib with timing chip, post race tailgate party with a beer. There was also a Kids Blitz.

Expo / Packet Pickup: No traditional expo. Many packet pick up times. A week before the race pickups were held at Fleet Feet stores in the suburbs. The week of the race you could pick up your stuff starting on Tuesday, daily through Friday at the Fleet Feet in Old Town. You could chose will call pick up for race day options. A friend could also grab your things if they had the confirmation email.

Pre-race: As the race is centered around Soldier Field, you get all the amenities that come with the location. Gear check was indoors, but it seemed backwards as the lowers numbers (first starting corrals) had to walk the furthest to drop off their bags. Clear bags were provided when you picked up your packet. The bathroom facilities were also open. Parking was free in the stadium too, and the nearby lot (however the south lot closed early)

The official race start is at 7 am, but there are 3 waves with 15 corrals. The pre-race time can really stretch out. However the entrance to the corrals is near the post race tailgate area, making it easy to meet up with friends and hang out before you need to head to the corrals. The corrals did close at a certain time, I saw many who did not make it into their corrals, and they weren't letting them through.

The volunteers also did a great job of making sure people were in the correct corral. Nothing worse than someone thinking they are faster than they are, only to stop in front of you a mile into the race. This is a huge pet peeve, most races are chip timed anyway, so start in your corral or a slower one..

The pre race announcements were over a loud speaker that could be heard throughout the area. A version of taps was played followed by the National Anthem.

Course / Race: The race was on the streets and lake front path, heading south, then turning back around into the city.
-Flat, some bridges, but nothing steep
-paved, potholes
-section through McCormick place, dark and lots of potholes, had to be alert
-crowded start, even though started on street, didn't thin out til Lake Shore Dr
-miles marked with signs and a time clock
-Hydration stations with lemon lime Gatorade and water, each in different colored paper cups
-no food or gel on course
-street portions were closed to traffic, lake from path had recreational use (bikes, walkers, runners)
-lake front path had trail / gravel to run on in sections
-Marathonfoto on course
-Not many spectators, but TNT coaches were along the course
-Lots of volunteers
-course well marked, even the turn around on the grass.
-Finish on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field

Post Race / Finish: The big draw for this race is running into the bellows of Soldier Field, then crossing the north end zone to finish on the 50 yard line, what an experience. The stadium feels huge from the field. After you cross the finish line, marked well with a clock and arch, a uniformed service member hands you your finisher's medal.

The finisher's chute and overall area is in the south end zone, while it's encouraged you move along to the tailgate party, it is ok to snap a few photos as you collect a bottle of water. Most spectators of the race can observe the finish in the stands.

Once you proceed off off the field and through a tunnel, you are given the option to chose a cup of Gatorade. There is no re-entry into the stadium, must decide if you want to watch finishers or go to post race party. There were service members available for a photo. Also on the way out was gear check, to pick up your bags.

Soldier Field takes a lot of real estate, and to exit the stadium they took advantage, it seemed forever to get to the right door. Once outside the stadium, finishers were handed a reusable bag, pre-filled with a ton of snacks, easy to carry all the things.. There were a few vendors with samples on the walk to the tailgate party, Dunkin Donuts, Naked Juice, etc.

Tailgate Party: The party had a lot to offer, there was a live band. Lots of freebies, Clif bar, picture opportunities, post race massage. You could also redeem your beer ticket on your bib for a 312 in a can, while it wasn't that cold and was already open, it's nice to have a beer that doesn't taste like water. There were no chairs, but you could sit in the grass, shade was available.

The results were already posted the next day, and MarathonFoto had pictures posted in 2 days.

Overall: This race is well organized, the finish on the 50 is awesome, and the tailgate party is fun for all, The price is a bit steep, but a flat course and scenes along the lake make it a fun race to start summer.

Check out my blog for my personal thoughts and pictures https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/soldier-field-10-miler-recap/

Link to this review