Wow, when they call it the "Largest Thanksgiving Day 5k in IL" they aren't kidding! Race organizers said they were expecting over 10,000 runners this year and I honestly wouldn't doubt it. My sister and I needed a Thanksgiving Day 5k to run this year and we figured we might as well go big or go home.

Pros:
+Excellent crowd support: You can't beat a run through neighborhoods where everyone is out on their lawns and cheering for you. It has a wonderful hometown feel to it.
+Great pump up tent prior to the event: There was a warming tent prior to the event with an awesome DJ and a great energy. It definitely helped me wake up and get going!
+Ample parking

Cons:
-Disorganized start: This is probably my BIGGEST con. We were encouraged to organize by time per mile with the slower times and walkers near the back. However, everyone surged to the front and it was a free for all at the start. For the first mile and a half I was bobbing and weaving through walkers, strollers, and slower runners. And granted, it was a Thanksgiving 5k and I wasn't looking for a stellar time, but it was still annoying.
-Swag: A nice long sleeved t-shirt, but nothing super special about it

Overall, I'm glad we ran it to say we were part of such a huge race. However, I'm frustrated by the start procedures and wish it could be changed around a little bit so people don't get hurt by trying to get through the traffic.