If you are a Chicago resident, live close, or are planning a visit around early April you have to do this race at least once. This was about the 4th or 5th time I've run this race. It is a great way to kick off the upcoming Chicago running season. The distance is perfect and provides a nice change to a typical 5k.

While not the same size as the marathon, the quality of the expo is certainly comparable. There are many vendors and tons of Nike race gear. The expo is at the McCormick center which is fairly easy to get to via public transport. They also advertised discounted parking ($10), but I was actually able to park for free (winning).

The race start is super Chicago organized. Do not plan to jump in a corral ahead of the one you are assigned. I think the corral guards may actually tackle you if you try ;-) I was in Corral D, the last in Wave 1. Wave 1 corrals closed 10 minutes before the start. I think I crossed the start with about 10 - 12 minutes on the gun time. Even with the spacing the first mile, like any other race, is a bit crowded. Don't expect to come out fast unless you are in one of the first two corrals.

The course runs through downtown. If you aren't in the loop everyday it is a fun way to run the streets. This year they also gave out medals (this was new from the last time I ran). It is a nice addition to my collection, I like the shamrock shape.

At the finish there was plenty of post-race fuel with cups of gatorade, bottles of water, snack bars, apple sauce packs, bananas, chips, and pretzels. Right outside the finish line area there were a couple other vendors (Thomas Bagels and Home Run Inn) giving out what appeared to be free food (lines were long).

The weather was chilly so I skipped the post-race party, but it did come with a free beer if you wanted it!