This is a great race to see where you're at heading into a fall marathon. This is a much bigger race than the earlier 13.1. However, these two races comprise the Windy City 26.2 Challenge (2 halfs over the season = 3 medals). The spectators can get a little sparse along LSD. Great course to try and PR. Once you get to the north turn around point you're already more than 8 miles into the race. It's a great mental boost knowing you have less than half remaining. Can be a pain driving down here and there's usually a Bears game to deal with on the way back. Still a great race experience overall.