The Chicago Quarter Marathon celebrated its second year, held on Saturday, April 4th with a 9:15am start at Soldier Field. The course went south on the lakefront path and then came back.

PROS:
+ 9:15am start (I enjoy a later morning start time when it's not summer).
+ Was able to receive free shipping of bib and long-sleeve embroidered quarter-zip tech shirt (royal blue, gender specific – see photo) with early bird registration.
+ There was a medal this year - Chicago themed and pretty decent.
+ Easy to get to via driving or public transit.
+ Unique race distance.
+ 2 days for packet pick-up if you didn't get free shipping or opt to pay $10 (at Road Runner Sports).
+ Marching bands on the course.
+ Post-race party included a band.
+ Post-race refreshments included a banana, bottled water, and two flavors of LARABAR UBER.
+ 4 Aid Stations (technically 2, but with an out and back, gave you 4 chances for water).
+ Beneficiary: Prevent Child Abuse America

CONS:
- I understand not having any gatorade or other sports drink on the course, since it's not that long of a distance, but I do wish there was bottled something (other than water) to replenish electrolytes post-race.
- It's nice being able to park at Soldier Field, but wish the cost wasn't $20. I know the race doesn't set the cost, but still something to consider.

I think it's a nice race to help transition you into racing season (though I feel racing season is all year long... at least for me it is!). With the beginning of April, you don't really know what kind of weather you'll get, but it was generally OK this year (mid-30s with 10MPH winds and partly cloudy).