This was my second year running this race. I enjoy the route and it is perfect for this size of race (I think this year there were just shy of 2,000 running the half marathon). The route starts at Soldier Field, loops around the stadium and then does an out and back on the path. I love running south on the path because I don't do it often so the views are fresh. And the best part about a south start is you get an amazing view of the skyline on the return. I think that is crazy motivating.

Other positives that stick out in my mind for 2016 are (a) the pre-race is housed inside the stadium so no freezing until you have to, (b) this also means there are warm restrooms and clothes when you finish, (c) the swag is unique and includes a beanie, (d) parking is super convenient, (e) there were plenty of aid stations that were well manned.

Some of the changes that I wasn't so excited about from the prior year (a) they moved the post-race to a bar, which makes me lose interest in hanging around, so no free beer for me, (b) last year they also handed out gloves in the swag (which were super awesome), no gloves this year, (c) they switched back to a long-sleeve tee from the quarter zip

One other issue that I didn't think was handled as well as I've seen other race organizers handle it is the delayed receipt of their shirts. They were not included at bib pick-up, I'm not sure if that was intentional or part of the hangup of the shirts in customs. My complaint is that they sent out an email asking that local runners refrain from picking up their shirt at the finish and we would be required to make a special trip to a Road Runner Sports to pick it up. I've been part of a race that had this same issue and they shipped the shirts to the runners. There was no expectation that the runner go out of their way to get the swag they earned. I do not fault them for the delay, but think it could have been handled better. I will say as a local that is not going to be able to make a special trip, they did give me mine at the finish with no argument, so props on that.

I'd definitely recommend this race to other runners and hope they have success and the race continues to grow!