First time running the Bucktown 5k. I ran it as it was a CARA Circuit Race.
Communication was frustrating…hardly any updates and emails regarding the race. Lots of other CARA circuit racers were vocal about this. Not a deal breaker, but also not up to the CARA standards we are used to.

Packet pickup was frustrating. One day, one location at the Fleet Feet in Old Town where there is min parking. Not sure why morning pickup wasn’t offered. That would have been great.

Swag was a nice zip up hoodie, I liked that. No medals. No awards.

I recall only one aid station, thank God for the residents who made aid stations along the course because it was humid. Hose water tasted amazing.

Volunteers were a plenty, there were also many Chicago Police Officers along the route keeping it safe from traffic and cheering runners on! That was great!

Overall, I would recommend it as a circuit race, it’s close, inexpensive and the hoodie was great. If it weren’t for the circuit status, I’d pass it up for another race.