I have never run a 5K before so I was not sure what to expect in terms of quality, participant size, speed, aid stations, but every one I talked to about this race could not stop raving about it and how awesome it was.

I will start with my single downside of the race, Packet Pick Up. they offered about 4 separate times to pick up your packet leading up to the race, only downside was that only one day was on the north side, all the other days were at the school down in Pilsen. So living on the North Side I didn't really have much of an option. However, they did offer packet pick up on race day, so that was certainly a key pro for those who would not make one of the days.

I drove down to Pilsen and got there about an hour or so before the race started. Parking was fairly easy to find, we parked about .5 miles away for the start/finish area. It was blistering cold and windy, so we hurled in the car for a bit before heading to warm up.

Gear Check was smooth and easy. It was located in the underpass right next to the celebration area and we were allowed to check our actual bags which is always a plus for me. It was super easy to get in and out of my bag as I was shedding layers as the start time got closer and closer.

There were plenty of bathroom available for the public but oddly none of them had toilet paper.

They had the start area corralled off. I was in A right at the front and there was a wonderful traditional dance that was preformed right at the start line before the gun went off. The race started about 5 min after the start time because the road ahead was not cleared of traffic yet, so that was a bit frustrating as it was about 35 out and windy and all most of us had on was a singlet and shorts.

The course was super fast and smooth! I was SHOCKED by how fast the race went! It was my first 5k and the course couldn't have been better for that, I ran a 16:10. Even though prior to the race it was super windy out there was barely any wind during the race.

There was 1 aid station about half way throughout, it was pretty tiny, but personally i didn't need any water or gatorade.

There were spot along the course that had a bunch of people and then there were some bare bones spots. There is one point in the corse about mile 2 that you run next to the begging of the race, so it was cool to see the heard of people hitting mile one as you were flying by mile two especially for such a short race.

The finish was packed with people and treats:cookies, chocolate milk, waters. We quickly hurried over to gear check to get our clothes back and had everything back on within 5 minutes, Super quick and easy.

One of the key draws to this race is the trophy hardware. Instead of medals they give out painted Day of the Dead skulls for top overall finisher and top 3 in each age group male and female. I won't lie, this was one of the major factors in signing up for the race. And it is only helping to make this race more and more popular. The skulls are painted by the students of the UNO school which the race benefits. With that the long sleeve shirts you get as a participant were beautifully designed on the front and the back.

They didn't waste any time handing out awards ( about an our after the start) there was tons of food available to buy, but you needed to get food tickets first. Not wanting to wait in line to get a ticket then airing in another line for hot chocolate, we went right next door one street over to Dunkin Donuts as i inhaled a hot chocolate.

Over all the race was A BLAST and i would highly recommend it to anyone. It fun and festive and tons of people were dressed up and had their faces painted, something i will certainly do for next years race!

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