Signing up for a half marathon in the winter in Chicago is no joke. You never know if you'll get a mild 45 degree and sunny day, or an icy, freezing mess. Just deciding to do this race is a fun gamble for the more adventurous runners out there, or the bad asses who see snow, pile on the layers and run anyway. Weather for the 2017 race was in the 20s and slightly windy, with a few flurries. That the race organizers call this kind of weather favorable shows the grit and resolve of the runners who tackle F^3.
2017 was the largest year yet, but the race was so well organized, it didn't feel overwhelming. Many different packet pick-up times and lots of pre-race communication. I drove to the race and though I didn't like paying $19 to park at Solider Field, it was worth it post-race. Loved the indoor pre-race set-up in the United Club. I don't know if it was because the indoor location was so nice and warm, or the race attracts a more laid back runner, but the buzz at the United Club was so positive and I ended up chatting with a couple strangers, which isn't something I normally do at races.

Corrals, which people tended to respect, made the start smooth. A loop around Solider Field and then a straight out and back course along the lakefront. I do most of my long runs north of downtown, so I appreciated getting a run in on the southern portion of the LFT, something I've only done once before. Beautiful scenery, with the lake on one side and Lake Shore Drive and the skyline on the other. A few spectators here and there braved the cold to cheer us on. Aid stations were well staffed with volunteers and easy to get through. A few parts of the course had a bit of ice, but the organizers had those spots clearly marked and it wasn't an issue. The finish line is right next to Soldier Field, so as soon as you cross the finish line, you can grab your medal, some snacks and drinks, snap a photo, and get back into the warmth.

My only negative is that the LFT south of Museum Campus is much narrower and rougher than the northern portion and it's still open to the general public. But, considering it's January, it's not like there were that many non-racers to deal with out there.

Overall, everything was smooth, smooth, smooth. It's hard to imagine that almost 2,000 would voluntarily run 13 miles on a cold January morning in Chicago, but this race is proof that if you put together a great experience, it'll happen.