This is my second time running F3 Half Marathon.

Pros:
-Packet pick up started an entire week before the race. I was able to go to Fleet Feet Old Town a week before to get my bib. I was traveling the entire week before the race and was excited to see this option. I believe there was also packet mailing for a fee.
-Packet pick up throughout various parts of the suburbs too
-I love the 1/4 zip shirt! Hint: if you have long arms like I do, I washed it and hung it to dry and the sleeves stretched out just enough for me.
-Reuseable bag as the gear check bag or you can bring your own. Gear check was super simple. There didn't seem to be a bottle neck as in 2015.
-Parking at Soldier Field was easy. We got there early so didn't deal with any backing up of traffic.
-You do have to pay to park, but considering an Uber would be double that there and back it's worth it.
-Pre race is indoors in the United Club
-Start line has self seed and staggered corrals. That was really nice to limit the cluster on the LFT. I think they went off every 2 minutes. I'm not sure how they did the 5k.
-Miles were clearly marked with the clock.
-Course was clear for the most part with ice, those icy spots were salted and coned off.
-Not the race's fault but beware of the pot holes closer to the south end of the path.
-Post race stretching and vendors to talk to. An indoor race village if you will
-After party was at Kroll's. I was surprised to not see any post race beer in the United Center, I didn't want any, so not a big deal. I am sure it has to do with cost and permitting.
-Post race food was banana, hummus and chips, bagels (FULL SIZE!), water and a full size Muscle Milk. I grabbed a Muscle Milk and gave to a friend.
-Free race pics post race
-Gatorade, water, and gatorade chews on course
-At first when I grabbed the water cup I thought, "this cup is too big, too stiff!" However, it was so easy to pinch that I was able to run a race without drenching myself in water.
-Top 5 received a plaque and certificate for an Asics gift card. Age group winners received ribbons
-If you like large medals, this is a great race for it! They are always fun and different

Suggestions:
-There could have been one more water station. They were a little spaced out and an extra would have been great!

Other than that everything went well! Volunteers were awesome and the charity really connected with the race (Garden Center Services).

Can't wait to run this again next year!