This was an inaugural half marathon and 5k targeted toward the women's running community. It is my understanding the race management group holds other races in the area as well so this was just an addition to their portfolio.

Things that were great -- ample parking nearby (several garages in downtown Naperville), mostly flat course, tons of potties at the start, quick gear check, tons of volunteers, water stops every other mile (at a minimum) of which at least 2 had some form of nutrition (blocks or gu), cool finish experience (last ~200 meters are around the track at NCC), cute princess crown medal (definitely girly but I liked it), opportunity for day of packet pick-up.

Things that could have been better --

I really like to get my packet before race day so I can get myself situated the night before. Packet pick-up was downtown Naperville and only went until 5:00 on Saturday. I live in the city but was coming from central Illinois after a visit home. 5:00 was a short window to get back especially when finding close parking to Naperville Running Company is a challenge. I made it but it was stressful. So longer Saturday pick-up hours would have been better.

Pre-race communication could have been beefed up. I only received two emails on race information - one was my bib number which I didn't receive until Friday. Getting an email with communication on parking suggestions for race day would have been great.

The last ~mile of the race was on the running trail. It was pretty narrow. Thankfully the race was small and it wasn't an issue, but I could see this becoming more challenging when the size of the race grows.

If I were in the area for this race next year I'd sign up again. It was a great PR course.

**PS I didn't participate in the finish line festivities, but it looked like there were tons of options for post-race fuel (muffins, fruits).