I really enjoyed the race this year. We lucked out on weather... though it was warm, it wasn't unbearable or too humid. One of the exciting parts of this race is having the chance to run almost entirely on Lake Shore Drive. While scenery isn't the best, you did get some nice views of the lake and the skyline.

Things I like about this race:
• Navy Pier expo – easy to get to, plenty of public transportation that takes you right there, or about a mile walk from Red Line Grand (or can take a free Navy Pier bus)
• Excellent, gender specific shirts this year – simple design, great material (it's really soft!)
• The corrals were more defined this year, with gates and separation between each one
• Though it seemed like it was a mass start (sometimes hard to see/hear what's going on when you're towards the back), the streets were wide enough that it cleared out pretty quick and congestion wasn't too bad (in my experience, at least)
• Plenty of aid stations (10) with water and Gatorade at each, along with Clif Shots between mile 9 and 10 (just had to beware of bees! They were everywhere at the aid stations because of the Gatorade; I made sure to check my cup before drinking from it).
• I didn't use any port-o-lets during course, but seemed to be a good amount, and the lines weren't too bad before the race
• Supportive, energetic volunteers
• Misting stations on the later miles
• The course is relatively flat – one large incline when going up an off ramp in order to head over to the side going south, but then you get the downhill going down that ramp
• In order to pick up someone else's packet, you just needed a copy of their ID. Last year, you needed a signed and notarized form, which was a pain.
• Could park at Museum of Science and Industry and walk over, or at specific garages in city and take a shuttle from there
• Lou Malnati's pizza! at the finish, along with bottles of Gatorade, water, protein bars, and Lays chips

Things I didn't like
• The bees! Though of course this couldn't be helped ;)
• Michelob Ultra was the beer sponsor (craft beer us, please! Chicago has some great ones!)
• The Chicagoland Half Marathon Series medal seems a little cheap
• The shirt color – I'm a fan of bright colors, and they were grey this year
• The water was distributed in plastic cups, which can be difficult to drink out of while running/walking without dripping all over yourself. The cups the Gatorade were in are more convenient in that aspect. Plus, it was easy to trip on the plastic cups that were thrown all over, since they don't smoosh down when people step on them.
• Not much shade

There you have it. There wasn't much I disliked about this race, and what I didn't is a quite nit picky. I'd rather a shirt that fits well and is made of a nice material than one that doesn't fit well and is bright. Generally, I thought it was a great race and have already registered for 2015. Get in now while it's cheaper!