I hadn't run the Halloween Hustle since 2014, but it was a race that held a special place in my heart. The 2014 version was my first Age Group win EVER and one of my all-time favorite race shirts. Now that I lived in the area, going back was a must.

Let's start with logistics. The race does offer packet pickup on Friday before, but unless you live in the NW suburbs, you're best just getting your bib and shirt on race morning. Parking for the race is super easy. Despite taking place almost in downtown Palatine, runners have access to the Palatine parking deck, so it's super smooth the morning of. Packet pickup is right by the start line, and this year the race had a few vendors out there as well. Kind of like a mini expo, which was neat.

The primary purpose of the race is to wear a costume and have fun. Best if you do those things and run fast. The course is SUPER flat and fast. If you were looking for a fast 5k, and/or a fast tuneup for a late Fall Marathon, then look no further than this race.

The course itself is fairly standard as runners are looped through a neighborhood and past one of the schools in town. There's actually a decent amount of crowd support for a chilly morning run in a suburb neighborhood. Somewhere on the course (I don't remember where) there is an aid station if you need it.

At the finish there is water and other such post race snacks. There is a gear check area as well if you choose to use it, but the parking deck isn't far away so you could easily use your car as your gear check.

Briefly I want to talk about the post race awards at a local bar and grill. Runners get a ticket for a free beer and a free sandwich. Pros and cons here. The beer is awesome, but the "sandwich" was a chicken pesto wrap. Normally that would be delicious, but not at 9am after a race. But the area is warm, has plenty of tables, and the awards ceremony is pretty quick.

Also, the 2018 shirt is again one of my favorites all time.

The only thing I'm a little salty about is the photos for this race. The race advertises free race photos, but this year it took almost 3 weeks to post those, and I would say maybe 10-15 runners are featured in the photos. So if you want epic costume photos from the race, have a friend take them for you.

Otherwise, I do really like this race! And barring a weird race schedule, I'll be back in 2019.