Pros:
+ Easy packet pick up, easy access to race, very well organized.
+ Really loved the theme – who doesn’t love a little college rivalry? So many residents of Chicago and people from the suburbs come from Big 10 schools or have family at those schools, so people get really into it!
+ The post race party for the Big 10k is one of the best post race parties that I have ever seen.
+ The race swag is tailored to your team (or you can get a general shirt if you do not want to run representing a particular school), they give you a trucker hat after the race as well (that’s pretty fun, right?), 312 beer, and you get a delicious brat! (unsure if there was a veggie option?). Also Garrett’s popcorn and some other delicious vendors were giving out pretty generous samples. Basically, if you are a runner who loves to eat, this race delivers. They have a little stadium set up as well to hang out afterwards and listen to some music while you enjoy your beer and food amongst friends (or rivals).

Not so great:
- The route leaves something to be desired. I’ve noticed Fleet Feet races usually uses this similar route; running on the street half way down (not very scenic) and lakefront path on the way up. It also might be a personal thing, but runners had to go slightly north of the finish and then weave back around to get back to the finish line at the end of the race. Once I know I’m heading in the right direction back, it is a mean mental trick to have me pass it up and wonder when I’m going to turn around again to cross that finish line!

I had a great time though and I would recommend it to anyone who loves the Big 10 and is a runner in the city. It’s definitely a very approachable race for new runners as well.

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