The Back on My Feet (Chicago) Mardi Gras Chaser 5/10k was held on Saturday, February 20, 2016. We happened to have AMAZING weather in Chicago on this day - it was in the low 50s with a feel of upper 40s, a little breezy, and mostly sunny. This was my first race organized by BoMF, and I loved learning about the organization and what they do. I think they did a great job with the race and hope to be able to run it again next year.

PROS:
+ Easy registration with a confirmation email sent promptly
+ Communication from race was great - they were responsive on twitter and instagram, and also received enough emails to feel in the loop
+ Packet pickup was originally for Fleet Feet Old Town, which wasn't able to open up on time (there had been a fire there and they've been working on getting back up and running), so it moved to the Lincoln Square location on Friday from 10am–8pm. Neither is convenient for me, but I at least know where the Old Town one is and what the parking situation is. Anyway - because of this change (I think it's the reason), they also offered day of packet pickup from 8–9:30. Yay!
+ I did race day pickup and it was quick - got my bib, shirt, and was able to choose a fun Mardi Gras mask
+ Long sleeve tech shirt - I don't feel like I get enough long sleeves from races, so this made me happy
+ Aid stations on course - gatorade and water
+ Enthusiastic volunteers and BoMF workers and members
+ 10K finishers received a medal - instead of a ribbon it was a bead necklace with a medal, which I thought was fun (more unique and fit the race theme). I honestly didn't even know medals were involved for the 10K until an email before the race. Awesome surprise.
+ Mile markers were little signs stuck in the ground (I saw all 6 signs; didn't mind there weren't clocks or large flags or anything - thought what they had was sufficient)
+ SO MUCH POST RACE food! Mini Bagels - I saw cinnamon and plain, but I think there were other flavors too, bananas, cups of Gatorade, apples, Entenmann's Little Bites (crumb cakes, cinnamon, etc), and cakes/cookies from Bimbo - Bran Fruit, Barritas cookies, variety of Sara Lee cakes, Gansito Cookies. All delicious.
+ Port-a-potties on site - somehow it was only one long line that formed, but it moved quick since that one line was going for maybe 8? port-a-potties. We waited maybe 10 minutes, so not bad. Also, they had the hand washing station! Soap and water! Only thing was there was no garbage for the paper towels in the area, I had to go searching. Minor issue for an excellent addition (I love being able to actually wash my hands with soap and water, so really no complaints about the garbage - I found one eventually).
+ Course marshals to help control any areas we had to run that had traffic
+ Everyone had such a great energy and the weather being so nice made it a great race.
+ 10am 10k start, 10:15 5k start
+ It seemed most people that drove were able to find free parking without much of a problem (I know I did, which made me very happy - I got there really early in case I had trouble getting a spot haha).
+ After party at Fat Cat with NOLA style buffet for about $12ish. Free first beer for participants. I wasn't able to go, but it sounded fun. They were also doing raffles to help benefit BoMF.
+ First place male and female received $50 gift card (for fleet feet i believe)

CONS:
None

I thought the race was well-managed, and being for a great cause, I don't have any negative things to say about the race. Definitely recommend to anyone in Chicago during this event.