First time running the Carrera de los Muertos, and even with some clouds and rain, this was a wonderful race. Flat, fast, and tons of fun. Solidly on the list of Chicago classics that anchor every successful race season.

As soon as you arrive in Pilsen you know how much fun it's going to be. I took the Pink Line in from the West Loop, and there were runners with epically painted faces on the train already. Few blocks walk to the expo/start area, and there are people in costumes all over. The rain was a bit of a drag, seemed like it cut back on the performers and music in the stage area and along the course, but there was no doubt that this was Dia de los Muertos--plenty of brides walking around.

Apparently this was a new course for 2015. There are several thousand runners, and a loose self-policed corral system at the start which worked reasonably well, although a few walkers and strollers snuck in. First half mile was congested anyway, but once the course opens up a bit it's fast with few turns. One stretch along 18th Street has to be close to a mile of pure fast straightaway. Few more turns on the way back, and the last stretch to the finish line is long and straight too. Full course GoPro video here: https://youtu.be/ssRVLUCAuTg

Started raining harder after I crossed the finish line so reluctantly didn't stay around for the long lines at the food tents, or the live entertainment, which looked awesome.

The swag was terrific. Truly unique long sleeve tech race shirts, with an option to upgrade to quarter zips. Finisher medals with the race logo. Overall awards were skulls; at one time the age group awards were too, but it looked like they changed that this year. Didn't really matter to me, because there were so many fast runners in my age group that I didn't even hit the top 10, even though I pulled down a 7th in Bucktown a few weeks ago. Very competitive field.

All in all this is an awesome race and is already on my calendar for next year. Just hope the weather's better!