I signed up for this race to run with my girlfriend, after receiving an email from the local running group touting a $3 discount (yeah- it doesn't take much). A few weeks and $32 later, I'm fairly certain I got close to double that amount in swag alone. A $32 5k is just about right in Chicago, maybe slightly on the 'high-priced' side, but I can't complain based on everything this race had going for it.

Signup was quick and painless online and I had no issues with the discount code. Because this was a night race, raceday pickup was a breeze, as we got there right when pickup began at 6 pm (by the time we left there was a line). A half mile walk brought us from the Universal Sole where the pickup was to the race start area, giving us time to take in the pre-race festivities, which included a DJ, an emcee and several sponsor tents. Bonus: one of the sponsor tents, Mikita Tools, had a contest where you could kick a soccer goal at several targets that were superimposed on a giant blow up goal with a picture of a lunging goalkeeper- I stepped up and nailed one on my first shirt, winning a Federacion Mexicana de Futbol branded gear bag.

One gripe was that the race website appeared to have the start time listed at 8 pm, while the emcee said the race would start at 8:15- the starting gun actually went off at 8:10 (?), which isn't the worst thing that can happen, but I didn't like the inconsistency. Otherwise, it was a nice out-and-back along the lakefront path, with some crowding right at the beginning, but a nice open course for ~850 registered participants to run on after the first quarter of a mile.

Post race party had a food truck (the delicious Cheesie's), and beer for purchase, with a large enough area for the crowd. Gear check was a breeze, as was getting out of the event and home- this isn't the first race I've done in this area and it is as good a place as there is in the city for an event this size.

In addition to an electronically timed, USTAF certified 5k race, and some coupons, participants received a gender-specific Nike Dri-Fit Running shirt, an Energizer LED headlamp, an Energizer TrailFinder LED Carabiner Clip Light, a Shick Hydro 5 Razor (because?)(I'll take it) and a 6 oz bottle of Banana Boat Sport Performance Coolzone Sunscreen, in a giant gear bag that has a front pocket. Plus bunny ears- of course, bunny ears.

All-in-all, for a 5k, this event is hard to beat- I'd definitely do this again if it comes back to Chicago next year.