I had originally signed up for the half marathon. However, with the unusually high temperatures in Chicago, I decided instead to run the 5K. After my run on Saturday morning, I went to Soldier Field to pick up my packet. Parking was a deal for $5!

Bib pickup and switching over to the 5K was fast and easy. There wasn't much in the goodie bag which was a disappointment. I thought it was a good size expo with many vendors but did not buy anything.

I woke up early on Sunday morning to get ready and eat something. Then I drove to the race location. I got lucky and found parking right away. However, I was there very early so I still had to wait. The half marathon began at 7 am and the 5K at 7:45am.

The half marathoners were off. Then I had to wait again. By this point I was hungry. It was also warm. At least now there were no lines at the port-a-potties but they were also SMELLY!

Finally it was time to run. It was nice to run in the shade. Miles 1 and 2 went by fast. There was a water/gatorade station a bit before mile 2. I drank some Gatorade and ran again. I was surprised there was a station so late into the race. I didn’t care too much for me because I was running a shorter race. The half marathoners still had a long way to go and shouldn’t have had to wait till mile 2 for water and Gatorade.

Overall, I am very pleased with the race. Even though it was along the lakefront, it was in a different part of the lakefront which was nice. I like the red color of the shirts. I enjoyed seeing the half marathoners take off but there was too much time in between the two races. I think the 5k race should have started 15-20 minutes after the half marathon.