I love the F3 half & 5k. I've done the half a couple of times but this year switched to the 5k at the last minute with no issues, just a small processing fee. I kept the same bib as I would have worn for the half; They were color coded. This confused some spectators and volunteers directing runners on the course but ultimately wasn’t a major issue. I knew what the course was and where I needed to turn around. :)

The packet pick-up location rotated around the city each day for the entire week. I think this is a nice option! You only received your bib number at pick-up. Due to an issue with the supplier and customs, some of the shirts did not arrive in time to be given out at packet pick-up. They asked if you were a local if you could return to a Road Runner Sports at a later TBD date to get your shirt…. No big deal! Stuff happens and it was not the race organization’s fault.

Parking was pretty easy. The price was a bit steep ($19) but worth it to me to be inside a garage and avoiding the outside elements for as long as possible. I arrived about an hour early and the line to get in the garage was reasonable but I can imagine can get pretty long closer to race start. Driving was the best option since the train doesn't come very close to Soldier Field; however, I could've taken the bus if needed.

The pre-race activities were held in the United Club at Soldier Field which is really nice since there are real bathrooms and heat! It did get a little crowded as any race does, but being warm and crowded is better than being cold and crowded! There were minimal post-race activities held here (massages, awards, results look-up), but the primary ‘after party’ was being held offsite. There was a free shuttle taking people to the after party; however, I was not interested in re-locating. If the after party was onsite I might have stuck around for a few extra minutes but either way, wasn’t too interested. Also, it was easy to sneak in and out of the United Club to go outside for a warm-up and cool-down.

The 5k course followed the same route as the half but turned around at the ~1.5 mile mark. The 5k started a few minutes after the half. I was concerned the course would be really crowded and I would have to run around a lot of people. However, most of the half participants were past the 1.5 mile mark. This didn’t cause an issue since there were so few people to navigate around. The race organization did a good job salting the course to keep it safe. The aid stations seemed to be well managed. They had plenty of refreshments and snacks at the finish line! Gear check seemed to flow decently but I do suggest getting your bag ASAP after the race to avoid needing to wait in line.

Overall this is a great race! It’s nice to have a winter race to help keep training in-check over the holidays. I will definitely be back next year if the schedule allows!