I have run this race the last 2 years, and be prepared to sweat! It's toasty in July in Chicago. Not sure what happened this year, but there weren't as many bands as in the previous year. There were maybe 5-7 total instead of the "bands every mile". The course was also slightly different. It's not a difficult course at all, but you are running on roads and bridges. I don't mind the scenery, as you're running through Chicago, but it's a lot of buildings to look at. The aid stations are always packed and at times you had to wait for water or gatorade. But, you can expect that with a race of this size. The expo was huge! Lots of booths and products to look at and see. The cost is quite high, but I will always run this, as I have enjoyed it.