North Shore Classic

North Shore Classic

North Shore Classic

( 18 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Highland Park,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • June
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Lisa Dretske

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
50 34
2016
"Prepare for the monster hill!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Lisa Dretske's thoughts:

I was looking forward to this race, because I have heard good things about races put on by RAM Racing. The packet pickup was offered the 3 days prior to the event. Race day packet pickup was not available. I've noticed more races doing lately. The packet pickup was at the Fleet Feet in Deerfield. I had never visited this fleet feet location so it was nice to look around at what they all had. I didn't have to wait at all to get my packet. Inside a nice tie bag, they gave me a very cute and fitted tech top. I think I'll actually be using this tech top, which is rare with me and race tops.

The next morning was the race. I signed up for the 5k, though a half marathon was also available. I may have to try that distance next year. Parking was super easy to find within one block of the race start/finish area. It was free too! The 5k started before the half, which seemed a little weird to me. There were approximately 500 people running the 5k, so it was nice to see several corrals separating the different pace groups so the race didn't feel overcrowded.

The race began with a gradual downhill for the first mile. It went through a quiet little neighborhood, before leading to a park area. Once we entered the park, the hills began! At first, there was a major downhill, which led to a beach area. But just as you finish the monster downhill, there was a crazy uphill. I definitely was not expecting this elevation change on a road 5k. After the major uphill, the remainder of the race was rolling hills. Luckily, the race director was smart by placing the water station just after the big uphill.

The finish area was very organized and I love when races announce your name as you finish. This definitely helped my friend who was spectating know when I was coming through the finish. The results were pretty much instantaneous too! One other nice thing, is at the finish instead of filling your hands with food and water, they hand you a baggie with all the food pre-packed! More races need to do this.

Cons:
-no race day packet pickup

Pros:
+Great swag
+beautiful course
+very organized race (packet pickup, corral start, finish area)
+I never had to wait in line for a port-o-potty! How often can you say that at a race
+Free pictures!

I definitely look forward to running this race again!

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