I really loved this race. I have run this race a few times before and always liked it, and this year was even better. The weather actually cooperated and the temps were perfect.
The packet pick up was held at Fleet Feet and was painless and convenient this year. If you aren't familiar with the Lakeshore east area, it can be a bit tricky to find the race area. The Lakeshore east community has this great park that is surrounded by the residential buildings. It is a bit secluded, but was perfect for this race staging area.
The event is spread out nicely, the gear check was a separate large space that doesn't clog up the runners chute or the post race party. I was able to meet up with other runners from my run club pretty easily, even though there were quiet a few runners. However the corrals were not spaced well and my corral (C) was way to crowded.
This year they sent the corrals out in waves, which made for a nice fluid start. The course itself is very flat and not too challenging. You run along the lakefront from Randolph down to 47th and back. If you routinely run the lakefront path this course could be a bit boring, but if you are not used to running the south end of the lake, it can be a nice change of scenery. The course was well stocked with many water stations, which had a supply of water and Gatorade. I even saw Cliff gel packs being handed out in a few locations.
The post race party was great. There was a nice breakfast buffet for runners which is definitely better than the usual post race banana and bagel. The pick up lines for gear check weren't too bad and you could hang out in the park with your friends and family very comfortably.
Definitely a race I would recommend to other runners as I will be back next year. It is a flat fast course, so if you are looking for a Spring half and want to PR, you should add this to your list.