Do this 5k. It's flat, it's fun, and it's beautiful. The start is really easy to access via CTA, the proceeds go toward the neighborhood, and the race organizers do a fantastic job would involving the Ravenswood community, without imposing. If you plan to do this race, check out the Fleet Feet website. They offer Monday night speed work to prepare for this race!

This was a super festive Thanksgiving Day Race - people dressed as turkeys, mini pumpkin pies at the end. It was a lot of fun. Highland park is also beautiful, and the course went through very scenic parts of the town. A couple deer came out and ran across the course.

My only issue was packet pick up. Packet pick up was only offered at the Deerfield location and no day of pick up. For a car-less city dweller, this was an issue. I reached out the organizers, and they did offer to put my bib aside at the help tent.

The 10k was a great distance, and the amount of runners was perfect for the size of the race. It would have been a crowded course with alot more.

This race is perfect motivation to stay in shape through the winter. It's also a great distance to gauge fitness levels going into the spring/summer training seasons. The course is the same course that a lot of CARA races take - it starts at Montrose Harbor (great for parking), and run south on the lake path. The day of this race usually ends up being rainy.

The shirts are great - it's a long sleeve dry fit shirt that fits really well. The number of participants is also pretty decent, I never felt too crammed on the course.

This race was cold! I took the CTA there, and was planning on keeping friends at the finish line, but had to rush out of there and get myself some hot coffee. My lips were blue for the rest of the day.

However, this is a great size race, not too big, but great support. The packet picket up happened all week, and it was quick and easy - located at Universal Sole in Lakeview. The path follows the lake path. It's flat, and windy, and pretty beautiful in the winter.

I'd 100% recommend doing this race for the experience!

I absolutely love the Chicago Marathon. As a Chicago native, this race has a special place in my heart. The week leading up to the race is the best. The entire city starts preparing - banners go up, street closer signs come up, bus notices of reroutes are posted... It's really cool to think "This is all for me!"

Everyone in the city gets really into the race. The support is amazing. It is also the best way to see Chicago and it's diversity. The course goes through some of the coolest neighborhoods! - China town with a giant dragon, Pilsen with dudes playing guitar for all the runners.

The Roosevelt hill is killer, and running down Michigan Ave at the end of the race is tough. There is no shade, and with .2 miles left to go, you'll feel like you're climbing mount everest. You also have to walk 5 blocks north until you can exit the race. Do not have family meet you near Roosevelt, you probably won't make it back there after you finish.