The Bucktown 5k is a nice, neighborhood 5k through the streets of Bucktown near Wicker Park in Chicago. Packet pickup was at Fleet Feet Sports Chicago, so it was a standard deal. The swag included a beautiful hoodie (the main reason I decided to run), which was nice. The material felt a little cheap but that's kind of expected from a race.

The course is along quiet neighborhood roads lined with cute houses and lots of families out cheering for the runners. Corrals went A-K, going every two minutes. RAM did a good job getting the race going and the finish line area was nice too. There was one aide station located at the mile and half point. The course was lined with trees so even running into the sun there was plenty of shade. This was my first time running through Bucktown and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Overall, a great race. It get's a bit expensive in the month leading up to the event, especially for a 5k, so I would recommend signing up early.