This was my first time doing the Shamrock Shuffle, but have heard so much about it. It's a tad on the pricey side for a 5-miler if you are used to running Half Marathons or more, but you get a lot out of it.

Expo - Has the feel of a big established marathon since it's put on and sponsored by the same peeps as the Chi Marathon. Loved the expo. Great booths, Good giveaways. AND you don't have the guilt of being on your feet for hours the way you do before a marathon!

Course - Start and Finish of the Chicago marathon so it's fun experiencing those parts of the course.

TShirt - Nice nike fitted shirt. I don't love the white this year (I buy bright colored sports bras which don't do well under white!) but I more happy that it fits well! The other shuffle gear available for purchase was also super cute

Aid Station - Great marking the way they do for the Chi marathon

Course - There was definitely crowding. I probably should've placed myself in an earlier corral but I ran it the day after a final training 20-miler so I thought I'd run it for "fun." I should've know that I would try to speed up so ran into a bunch of pple with lots of bobbing and weaving.

Treat this as a fun run. Don't try to go into it for a PR unless you can get yourself into Corral A. Enjoy the organization and grandeur of a major marathon without the mileage and stress!!