I signed up for this race as it is a CARA Circuit Race thinking it would be up to CARA's standards and quality that I have seen in their races. The entry fee was great considering the distance ($50 bucks and a CARA member discount which covered the online registration fee of $4.95) and the hoodie that is included is pretty cool. I have never ran a half outside of Chicago and thought this would be a good one to start at. The drive from Chicago was super easy, parking was free, onsite and plenty. Numerous porta potties at the start/finish line which is always a plus. I also really liked that CARA was there to have member gear check. The race started promptly at 730am (surprised no National Anthem prior to the start) and the course was on the streets and roads in Lake Zurich and Hawthorne Woods. I was VERY surprised while running that there was still traffic allowed on the streets. The course is out and back, hilly and scenic. There was water/gatorade at about every 2-3 miles, super friendly volunteers manning them and a porta potty at about 2-3 aid stations while on the course (at least thats what i counted). Coming back to the finish, the traffic was MUCH more heavy than at the 730am start. I was very disappointed to finish the race 2hrs later to NOTHING but water and cups of gatorade at the finish. I asked numerous volunteers if there was any "runner bags" or the light breakfast as advertised on their website, the answer was "we ran out". Sigh. After running 13.1 miles for 2hr I was hungry. When all is said and done, i would NOT recommend or be signing up for this race again in the future. Maybe I am spoiled when it comes to expecting races of this distance (or any CARA race/certified race for the matter) to be a little better, but I guess with the low entry fee, you get what you pay for.