This is the first time I ran the BTN Big 10K race and my first destination race too. A college friend actually ran it so that's how I found out about it. I am a Michigan State alum so it was was running with rivals and former Spartans. They give you an option to have a basic Big 10 shirt or a shirt of the college that you choose. You can purchase additional shirts too at a cost. They offer packet pickup (Fleet Feet Sports) the week before the race. There was no expo. Since I came from out of town, I picked up my packet on Friday (which almost everyone else wanted to do). The wait in line wasn't too bad, I talked with a lot of the runners so that was cool! Friends or family can pick up your packet too, you just have to email stating who is picking it up for you. A third option is they offer a race day will call packet pickup with an additional charge. I like getting my items the day before the race so I can have everything ready for the morning of the race. You don't have to be a Big 10 alum to run the race, The course is fairly flat, I only remember a few slight inclines and you run in a few tunnels that aren't too bad. The temperature was a little hot so they advised multiple times to go a little slower and hydrate. They had a few water and aid stations on the course. They had a color system for the temperature so runners could adjust their speed. Near the end of the race if you want to cool off, they have a Slip N Slide you can go through. There was a bit of a line so I decided just to finish the race. They had a clock at the 5K mark so you could keep track of your time if you didn't have a smartphone or gps watch. The time limit is 1 hour and 35 minutes (15 minute pace per mile). I admit when I saw a runner with a rival school it motivated me to run a little faster and pass them. The BTN website offered a free online stream so my parents who couldn't come to Chicago got to see me finish the race by watching it online. They also offered blocks at hotels which had a discounted rate for the runners too. I ended up finding a good deal on hotels.com that was nearby the race. They recommend walking to the race. They had a taxi stand so you could get dropped off right by the race too. At the finish line they have a Fan Fest where they have a ton of fun activities and you can get your photo with the Big 10 Football championship trophy. They give you a free beer and they had sausages too for the runners. The Big 10 mascots are there too! They give out awards for the top finishers. The finisher medal has all the Big 10 schools on the ribbon. It was a fun race and nice views!

They also offer a 5K if you don't want to run a 10K for the race. (60 minute time limit, 19 minute pace per mile)