The 2016 half marathon took place on Sunday May 29. It was sunny, humid, high of 80. Race start at 7:00 am

Registration: Available online and at the expo, prices started at $65 and increased to $95 on the day of the expo. Included was a bib with your name, finisher's medal, timing, post race beer, gender specific short sleeve tech shirt, and free race pictures.

*you could also register for the Conquer the Capital Challenge (max price $165), which would earn you an additional medal, shirt and quarter zip pullover, if you ran the 10k the night before.

~if you read my 10k review, some parts will read the same- but thanks for reading :)

Expo/Packet pick up: The expo was held at a convention center. Parking was on-site in a ramp for a fee. There were also other events going on here. With the proper paper work someone else could grab your packet. No packet mailing. There was a place to check that the timing chip worked on the bib.

The expo was a decent size. There were area running stores, and local races. There was race specific merchandise, information and plenty of photo opps. There were even water coolers provided.

*The parking was actually quite tricky for someone coming out of town, easy to miss the entrance to the ramp. No close on street parking.

Pre race: The race started and ended at the Capitol. The National Anthem was sung before the events. Lot of announcements. There were no corrals, but pacers which participants were encouraged to line up by.

Race/Course: The course was all on paved streets in Madison, highlighting some of the "sights" (the half marathon included some of the same parts of the 10k)
-elevation - hilly, while it's not mountains, it seemed we never went down hill
- aid stations - There were 9 total, each 9 had water, while 6 had Gatorade, 2 had Gu and one had bananas. Hydration was always in paper cups, but they were the same white paper cup, very energetic volunteers. Had to make sure and ask what was in the cup.
-scenery - passed by Camp Randall, the Kohl Center, ran around Lake Wingra through the arboretum
-photographers on course - FREE pictures
-mile markers
- no major potholes, but just needed to keep a heads up
-all intersections with marshals or police
-Some spectators on the course, fun signs
-timing mats for use with the RaceJoy tracking app

Finish/Post race: The finish line was under the starting arch. Photographers there to snap a memory. A volunteer handed you a bottle of water. Then you were given a medal. If you did the challenge, the additional medal was under a tent. There was an area for finisher's photos with the backdrop. The post race food was already bagged up from Panera - a sandwich (meat or veggie) chips and a cookie and chocolate milk.

Once out of this area, you could proceed to the beer area to redeem your free Michelob Ultra, where there was a live band playing. There was a results tent and race merchandise for sale. You could also just camp out on the Capitol grounds

Overall: Challenging course, but great scenery for a city. Decent price.

My Race: It was my third race in two days...the only thing to do was finish. Still bothered by the heat and humidity, this race sucked the life out of me, I turned in my worst half time ever....2:27, but I got all the medals and lived to run another day.

The 2016 event took place on Saturday May 14, 2016 at 9:00 am. The weather was a cool 45-50 degrees, sunny and windy. The 5k was run as the same time as the 10k.

Registration: You could register online through a certain date, and were guaranteed a shirt by a certain date. Paper registration forms were available too, as well on race day for only $25, no shirt guaranteed. Included with registration; bib, timing chip and a cotton unisex t-shirt if registered by deadline.

Expo/ Packet pickup: There was no true expo, but there was a packet pick up held the night before at the school entrance. Head bands were for sale at that time. There was also race day packet pick up. For the day before the race, parking was right at the front door of the school, but started just as school let out for the day, so at that time was congested.

Pre-race: Parking was nearby, but the race started in front of the school and sections of the parking lot were blocked off. Restrooms were available inside the school. Packet pickup and registration were still open. There were head bands and a raffle. Announcements over a loud speaker. A bouncy house was set up for kids. The National Anthem was performed on a guitar.

Race/Course:
- few spectators - mostly included the volunteers at the intersections and family members
-volunteers at each intersection
-one water stop at the turnaround, styrofoam cups
-paved surfaces, sidewalks, nature trail - had to watch footing, but nothing major
-scenery - nothing exciting to see, it's in a small town
-elevation - mostly flat except the 2 hills near the finish, which are steep
-markers on the course- yard sign style

Finish/Post Race: The timing mats were out for the finish with finish flags on either side. A volunteer snagged the chip from your shoe. There were a variety of home made baked goods (even gluten free), as well as bananas, Gatorade, bottled water, and chocolate milk. Awards were given to overall and first place in each age group.

The one mile and fun run took place starting at 10:30.

Overall: This is always a nice community/school event. Great price, fair course, race distance for all abilities.

My race: I had a marathon the next day, so I ran the 5k for the first time (I have done the 10k many times in the past) The 5k is just a shorter version of the 10k. I tried not to go all out, well as much as I can, even ran with a friend until the turnaround. I was having a good race until I was passed by my AG winner on that last hill. I ended up 20th overall, but there were only 62 finishers, my 27:37 placed me second in my AG. I like the small town 5k and I even though the hills at the end suck I like that challenge, I will always try to be at this race.

The 2016 event took place on Sunday May 15 in Schaumberg, IL. It was sunny and cool, about 50 degrees, and the wind picked up through the day. Race started at 7:05

Registration: Online through the website, started near $50 ish increased to race day pricing of $95. Included was a unisex tech 1/4 zip pullover, you had the choice of color; timing chip on personalized bib.

Expo/ Packet Pickup: No true expo, packet pick up was held in Hoffman Estates at a sporting good store. You could also get your packet before the race at the start. Someone else could get your packet with a signed wavier. Packet mailing was available through online registration for an additional fee.

Pre race: The race started near an office building. There was parking near the race start for free, but needed to be aware which lot you were in, as you couldn't leave them as some were on the race course. Lots of port-o-potties were lined up, there was last minute packet pick up. The music was pumping on the loud speaker, however no speakers in the slower corrals. Participants to line up according to pace, flags marked this. No National Anthem.

Race/ Course: The majority of the course takes part in the Busse Woods Forrest Preserve.
-Terrain - paved roads or paved bike trail. The trail in Busse Woods is narrow
-Scenery - once in the woods, there are trees, elk, water, but start/finish have not much too see unless you are into things such as the WGN radio transmitter
-elevation - FLAT!!! there are some bridges, but no steep climbs
-spectators - few and far between, unless you have family out to cheer you on
-Aid Stations - water and orange (self mix) Gatorade in the same white paper cups- no food, some gels
-Volunteers - lots on the course, including many police officers at non crucial intersections on the woods
- photographers - pictures for purchase or free to download
-mile markers - each mile marked with a yard sign
- bathrooms on course - including park bathrooms
- out and back sections - great to cheer on others, easy to cheat

Finish/ Post race: Before you cross the finish line a live band is playing some rock cover tunes to greet you, then you run under the arch and cross the timing mat. A volunteer hands you a medal ( beige ribbon, silver triangle shape) and a bottle of water. Then you turn back around for the post race area. Food included - bananas, granola bars, peanuts and cookies. Cups of orange Gatorade and bottled water. There was a backdrop set up to take photos and you could listen to the band.

My Race: I am continuing my goal of a marathon a month for 2016, so this was my 5th marathon. The race was no frills, didn't seem to go the extra mile for many things. I ran with my pack as I knew there would be no food, not everyone survives on gooey gels. I just wanted to finish, and with the cool temps that was going to be no problem. I didn't have any problems, except that the woods is open to the public, and the permitting system doesn't exist for races. So at mile 17 I was greeted with a 5k, and I hit the wall of walkers with strollers on a path that was just wide enough for 2-3 people. I ran a couple miles on the side in the wet grass, so that might have deflated my energy. Or I had just ran a full 2 weeks before...oh well I will take my 5:15 finishing time and be happy.

Overall: It's a nice race, and running in the woods is a nice treat from the bustle of the Lake Front Path and McCormick Tunnel. All the volunteers were friendly. If you sign up early the price is right, and I do like the pullover.

For pictures and a video, check out my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/chicagoland-spring-marathon/

The 2016 race took place on Saturday May 28. The race started at 7 am. It was sunny and humid, starting in the 70’s – highs of 80 for the day.

Registration: Available online, super early pricing starting around $50, increasing to $90 near race day. You could also register at various packet pick up locations, until race was sold out. Included with registration was an Under Armor, gender specific tech tee, bib with timing chip, post race tailgate party with a beer.

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. A friend could also grab your things if they had the confirmation email. No race day packet pickup. Packet mailing available for $15.

Pre-race: As the race is centered around Soldier Field, you get all the amenities that come with the location. Gear check was inside the south end of Soldier Field, clear bags were provided when you picked up your packet. The bathroom facilities were also open, in addition to many port-o-potties lined up outside. Parking was free in the stadium too, and the nearby lot (however it was advised to arrive early)

The official race start is at 7 am, but many 3 waves with lots of 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 waves closed at a certain time, but you could start at a later corral.

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 (south Lake Shore Drive) 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 Nuun and water, in 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
-Free race photos
-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. This year Beyonce was in town, and had a concert the Friday night before the race, and then again Saturday night. The concert staging was set up, and the entire field was covered with concert protection.

Instead of running into the north end of the Stadium, to then cross the 50 yard line, once you entered the stadium this year, you ran alongside the field under the stands, then entered the field to zig zag to the finish, which you would assume was on the 50 yard line.

When you cross the finish, a member of the military places a medal around your neck.

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 Nuun. 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.

Once outside the stadium, finishers were handed a plastic bag, pre-filled with chips, a mini Clif bar and a banana, easy to carry all the things. Volunteers were also handing out a cold wet towel. There were a few vendors with samples on the walk to the tailgate party, and the BTN was there with a slip N slide.

Tailgate Party: The party had a lot to offer, there was a live band. Clif bar, picture opportunities, post race massage, spin to win, skin cancer screenings. You could also redeem your beer ticket on your bib for a 312 in a can. There were no chairs, but you could sit in the grass, shade was available.

Overall: The price is a bit steep, but a flat course and scenes along the lake make it a fun race to start summer. Finishing on the 50 yard line of Solider Field is cool, but only if nothing else is going on inside.

Personal: This was my first of 3 races for the weekend, so I went in, just to finish. I was happy with my 1:41:55. I didn't like that they changed to Nuun, not a fan, but there was plenty of water available. I also didn't care for the new ending due to the concert staging. A note on the star ratings - I had my packet mailed to me, did not attend a pickup, and we did not park for this race, as we stayed downtown & ubered.

More thoughts and photos on the blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/finish-one-the-50/

Saturday April 2, 2016 at 7:30 am, when the race started, it was a windy, sunny, 30 degree day in Springfield, IL.

Registration: Available online and closed about a week before the race. Price increased as race day neared. You could also register at the expo for only $60 (no shirt). Included in registration: unisex short sleeved white tech shirt, chip timing on bib, finisher's medal, printed results sheet, admission to the Lincoln museum, and post race food & "real" beer.

*a half marathon for $60 max*

The race also sent about 3 emails the week of the race from Abe; highlighting the important things, expo, visiting Springfield, etc.

Expo: The expo and packet pick up was held at a hotel in downtown Springfield, the evening before the race. You could also grab your bib the morning of the race, up to 15 mins before it started. Someone else could get your packet for you. Parking was available in a nearby ramp, or on the streets, meters free after 5. The expo was small, there were shirts for sale for $1, the Rolling Meadows Brewery had samples (beer served post race), a running store had some items for sale, information on the pacers, and there were a few other organizations with tables.

Pre race: Participants began to gather near the start. Abe and Mary were milling about, and available for pictures. There were port-a-potties lined up. If you didn't stay in town, there were many parking options on the street or in ramps. There was no gear check. The race started after some words from the announcer and a speech from Abe, followed by muskets firing. No National Anthem. There was no starting arch, just a timing mat to cross.

*No gear check was strange, as the weather this time of year is unpredictable, but with parking so close, you could store things in your car. However if you were staying in a nearby hotel, not sure you would have time to get back to your hotel and then enjoy the post race party. Just my thoughts...nothing big*

Race/Course: The race takes you through the city of Springfield, passing all the things to see. Starting and finishing at the Old State Capital, by Lincoln's house, the current Capital, and his tomb.
-Terrain - there were many surfaces. Paved with potholes (but after winter in the midwest, it's expected) gravel trace, bricked roads.
- Elevation - The first 6 miles were flat, the last half were hilly, running through the park and the cemetery. Nothing too steep, but they were rolling
-Scenery - residential neighborhoods, parks, historical buildings, businesses, cemetery
-Photographers - many on course, pictures available for purchase a day after the race
-Spectators - the course wasn't lined, but all the people that were out and about were loud and enthusiastic. Abe was in front of his house giving high fives.
-Aid Stations - there were 6 hydration stops with water & Gatorade, in different colored paper cups. one stop had gel. no food on course
-Volunteers - on the course at all intersections, and the busy intersections had law enforcement officials. There were volunteers everywhere, very friendly
-Mile markers at every mile, marked with a flag.
-Pacers - starting from 1:45 (I think and for every 5 minutes after) LOTS of pacers!

Finish: There was no arch to mark the finish, but you could hear and see the crowd increasing as you neared the finish. Once across the finish, a volunteer placed a shiny penny medal around your neck, another handed out a bottle of water. There was a table of Gatorade as well. Runners had mylar blankets.

*When I finished, I found it super crowded and hard to navigate, everyone was bottle necked. I was looking for someone handing out mylar blankets and wasn't sure where they were, it was cold. I never found one. After I got through the area, I found it less crowded in the post race area*

Post Race: The post race was a great party, it was held on the lawn at the Old State Capital. The folk band "The Blue Gs" were performing. There was a tent with the post race food of oranges, bananas, Kashi bars, Krispy Kreme donuts, chocolate milk and kegs of Rolling Meadow beers. (they never checked ID's, or limited how many you could have) Abe was available for post race pictures. There were some re-enactors and 1840's demonstrations. A tent was also set up to get a print out of your race results. Awards were announced when everyone had finished, AG winners received posters.

My Race: I had a good race, the weather was cool, and I hadn't raced a half marathon in a while, so I gave it my best shot. I stuck near the 2:10 pacer for the majority of the race. However, my lack of a decent breakfast caught up with me in the last mile. I finished with a time of 2:09:59.

Overall: This is a great race, organized well, great price, "fair" course..

for all the pictures, check out my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/04/07/lincoln-presidential-half-2016/