I live a block away from this race, so for me, the accessibility and ease to run this race was huge. I've ran the 10 miler a few times, and enjoyed that a lot more. They added the 5K for the first time this year, and it felt like a last minute add-on.

I had a not-so-great registration experience. I registered late, and ended up paying $55. This seemed very high to me for a 5K. There are a lot of different price tiers. For example, the price increases as the race date draws closer, but you also pay more if you're not a CARA member, which I get. To sign up, you have to use the CARA website. If you've ever registered on this site before, you needed to use your email log in, which for me meant resetting my log in info. I hadn't signed on to this site in along time, so this look me more time than I would like to sign up for a race. Once I got in, selected 5K, and put in my information, there was no confirmation page to tell me how much I'd end up paying before I submitted. This bothered me. I entered a $10 discount code, but it did not take, and I didn't know this until it was too late. With all the different price tiers, I would like to see my total before my card is charged.

Packet pick up was around the city at different fitness stores. Pretty quick and easy. We got a nice long-sleeve tech quarter-zip, both 10 mile and 5K got the same shirt I think. Nice quality.

The race took place at Montrose Harbor. I walked over, so can't report on parking. They had a nice race area set up with tents, vendors, etc. They led warm up stretches, and the announcer was really good about giving updates. Lots of port-to-potties, and just a good vibe.

The 10 mile and 5K went off together. I liked this because I was able to use some of the fast 10 milers to pace a few miles of my 5K. We split around mile 1.5 or 2. The course ran through Montrose park. The pavement was super uneven, with a lot of potholes to jump around. This wouldn't normally bothered me, but I was having a bad racing day. Def not a knock against the race, just a note.

There was a nice "finish" banner and they gave medals to the 5K-ers. I think they also had water and bananas, maybe even bagels for the finishers. I didn't check this area out, or grab anything so I can't report more. When I was done, I was able to go cheer on the 10 milers, which was a lot of fun.

The 10 miler finishers get cash for winning - 1st male & female ($350), 2nd male & female ($250), 3rd ($150). I came in first female for the 5K. The awards weren't until 11:30ish, and I finished around 930 or before so couldn't wait around. I reached out to CARA to ask if I won anything, and I was informed it was a button and I could pick it up from the CARA office. I def didn't expect as much money as the 10 miler placers, but thought I'd get more than a button. Seemed a little unfair to me.

Again, this race is well organized, and a great local option. The 10 mile has been around for awhile, and the 5K seemed like an afterthought, in my oppinion. I'd def run this race again, and just had small gripes about the award and registration process.