Registration: Starting at $50 online, increased as race day neared. Included with registration is a gender specific, school specific, short sleeve tech shirt; bib with timing chip & name, finisher medal, post race beer, post race sausage, post race fan fest. No race day registration.

Packet pickup/Expo: There was no true expo for this race. Packet pickup was held at Fleet Feet Old Town, multiple times starting days before. No race day pickup. Someone else could pick up your packet. You could also have it mailed to you for an additional fee. No race day packet pickup.
*Wearing your race shirt during the race is common for this.

Pre-race: This race is held in downtown Chicago, so if you don't take public transportation to Grant Park, you will have to pay to park, usually a short walk to the start. There were lots of port-o-potties, but never seem like enough. There was music and announcements on the loud speakers. Corrals were set up, and participants were encouraged to start lining up at 6:30. Each person had their corral letter on their bibs. Not sure if these were checked, as my corral was full, and I waited outside. However, they didn't let us all in to our corral, before the next one passed by.
Mascots and cheerleaders were at the starting line. After some words from PSU alum Spice Adams, there was a live singing of the National Anthem. The race was on. (the 5k would start an hour later)
* There was a "weather alert" message sent to participants via email and posted on the web about the race day temps & humidity. Runners were to take note and be careful, there would be additional water & Nuun available.

Race/ Course: The course starts on Columbus, and goes on Lower Wacker, then back through on Michigan to the Lake Front, ending back up on Columbus.
-Terrain: paved surface, however parts of the LFP were rough, need to watch your footing close to the lake
-Course: all miles were marked, there were clocks at spots with the start time. While the course was closed to vehicular traffic, the lake front area was not, there were a lot of bikes, making it extra crowded. Lower Wacker is hot and stuffy, but no McCormick tunnel in this race!
-Aid Stations: There were 3 Aid Stations. Each had Nuun and water. They were in different cups.
-Spectators: there were a few spectators, but mostly for family & friends
-Volunteers: There seemed to be a volunteer every where you looked, the aid stations, intersections, finish line.
-Elevation: flat! Ok, some Chicagoans would argue this as Mt. Roosevelt is included
-I didn't see any port-o-potties on course, but not sure you need one for a 10k
-Photographers: FREE race pictures. However, I didn't see a lot, and due to the crowded field, I found one picture of myself, blurred in the background. These were also posted very quick with the results.
-Bonus: slip n side on course, music set up playing school songs
-Scenery: Nice lake views
*I don't feel there was any additional water or Nuun on course or at the finish line. I carried my own going into the race. My husband was given some "smack" when trying to get an additional bottle of water after the race. There was one spot at the finish to grab one bottle of water, I did not see any more places to get water.

Finish: The timing mats were out and an arch was set up. Once across the finish line there were bottles of water, and a cold towel. Then bananas, Clif protein bar, and finally the medal. If you keep walking you could redeem the ticket on your bib for a Revolution Beer, and redeem a ticket for a sausage and snacks.

Post Race: There was a lot to do. Awards were handed out on a stage in between a live band performing. The post race is a tailgate. There was an area with the bag toss game. The B1G championship trophy was there to take pictures with. Free samples from other vendors too. Each school had a tent where you would get a school specific magnetic token to stick on your medal.
*I found out each school provides something different. I am an Iowa Hawkeye, my school had stickers, schedule magnets, tattoos, props for photos, plus more. Other schools didn't have as much. I am thinking this is due to the fact that geographically my school can drive in a lot of swag, while others have to fly. This stuff is provided by the school and not the race. I know Illinois had a trophy for photos... while OSU was "selling" t-shirts. Just something to consider as each fan doesn't necessarily get the same experience.

My race: I went into this race thinking a PR was possible. How quickly that was thrown out the window. My first 2 miles were sub 9, and then after the hot gross section on Lower Wacker, I was running miles over 10 minutes, and the heat and humidity had slowed down. the new plan was to finish... so I enjoyed the water slide and just kept moving. My time was near 1:03, which is 10 minutes slower than my PR.

Overall: I really like this race. It was my 3rd time at the event. Each year something is better and I enjoy myself more. My favorite is the post race tailgate feeling, and the fun rivalry that happens with my running friends. Also for a 10k in Chicago, I feel the price is fair. I hope things continue to improve, and each school will be able to provide the same post race fun for all.

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