This was my 5th year running Chicago and it never fails to disappoint. I've raced 3 times and paced 2 times. this year I paced the 3:50 group in Corral D.

Access to the race is always easy. The past 2 years I've stayed at a hotel downtown and been able to walk to the start. I arrived early so breezed through security without a problem (they had wand detectors and also checked bags).

The race is impeccably run. Organized start, great organized aid stations (always gatorade first, water second, good signage). TONS of aid stations and porta-potties on course. Finish line is seamless.

SWAG - t-shirt always fits great, and great design this year. Goodie bag had a good variety of food/samples (I'm excited to try out the odor removing laundry detergent!). Post race the typical spread of water/gatorade/recovery drink. The rest of the food they give you in a bag (thank goodness!! sooo helpful!) with lots of other salty and sweet snacks. They had the beer to you right at the finish (you don't have to walk all the way to the post-race party). Plus the heatsheets have a sticker to keep it wrapped around you hands-free. Every detail has been thought through.

Expo this year was still at McCormick but in a slightly diff space. The aisles were SOOOOO wide. It was an expo attendees dream. Also good sampling/giveaways.

New addition this year - I got access to the Columbus/Balbo Hospitality Tent. It was outstanding. I wasn't able to go pre-race due to my pacer duties. They had wet towels to wipe down and also dry towels to then dry off. The typical massage and stretching area. And then the food spread was outstanding. One of the best I've seen in any post-race VIP experience (I've been to a few).

Hope to be back next year as a runner or pacer. This race never disappoints!