This race is a challenge. Not because it's really long (it's a 5K), not because it's got a tough course (it's through some suburban neighborhoods), and not because the field is competitive (the club that puts it on has "Start slowly and taper off" as their motto). But it's hard because it happens in mid-January in a suburb of Chicago. So it's always VERY COLD. I ran this race with a friend in both 2013 and 2014 and both times we really enjoyed it. The course is a double-lap so it's not too exciting but battling the weather gives you enough to think about without having to wonder where the next turn will be. The swag in 2013 was a sweet pair of colorful gloves and this year it was a nice duffel bag. Also there's an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast after the race.

As a side-note: In 2013 I also won my age group and they gave me a funny trophy. This year I won my age group again and was disappointed that they only gave awards for first male and female overall. But that's a small complaint.

My 2013 race review from treadmill.com: http://pulse.treadmill.com/park-forest-running-and-pancake-club-midwinter-cruise-5k/