The RAM Racing North Shore Classic 5k and half marathon were held on Sunday, June 5. The 5k started first at 7am and the half at 7:30. Corrals A and B were for the 5k, C–H were the half marathon. Race day temps were in the upper 60s, with 70% humidity and partly cloudy. There was a bit of a breeze, and though it felt cool before starting, the humidity was what was tough about this race. Oh, and the hills. Maybe for people that are used to it it wasn't so bad, but I had no idea they were happening until the race started, and it was basically a rolling hills with one or two pretty steep ones throughout the course. Going down was fun, but getting up them took a lot of effort (I also did a half marathon the day before, so I was a little tired).

PROS:
+ Packet pickup had two locations and different days. I had planned on getting to Fleet Feet Old Town on Thursday, but ended up working later than expected. Their pickup was from 4–8. Friday's pickup was at Fleet Feet Deerfield, 2–6 (this is what I attended), and then Friday in Deerfield again from 10am–6pm.
+ Packet pickup was easy. Though I didn't know the store location (first timer at the Deerfield location, which I later learned was new), getting there wasn't difficult. Parking was plentiful... and free! There was a short line for pickup, but there were a lot of workers/volunteers, so it moved quickly. I was also picking up fellow BibRavePro Mark's packet. No problem. I had both QR codes for myself and Mark, and they quickly got me both and I was back out the door in no time.
+ SWAG at pickup included a gender specific t-shirt with a unique design, your bib, and RAM Racing drawstring bag.
+ Race day parking had me anxious, as this was my first year and I didn't know the area at all. It was mentioned that it's plentiful, and they even offered up different garages/parking lots available. This was appreciated, as it gave me an idea of where to go/look. I had one garage picked out, and when I got there, there was a sign saying RAM Racing parking with an arrow, which made it easy to find. Plenty of spots available in there, and when I walked to race start, noticed another lot closer that still had spots too. Looks like they were right - plentiful.
+ Race starts were on time, and there were maybe 3–4 minutes between each wave/corral. The race seemed to be fairly small compared to what I'm used to, but it was nice.
+ Plenty of porta-potties with hand washing stations (yay!)
+ Race had pacers (Chicago Endurance) - the sweeper, who was the 15 minute mile pace (the slowest they allowed), was one of the same pacers I had seen the day before. We talked briefly, and she said to stay ahead of her. Luckily, I didn't see her at all during the race. I was afraid with having a half the day before and not getting much rest or sleep that I'd be trying to stay ahead of her the whole time, but I managed well (for me).
+ Majority of the race took place on streets. Most were closed off, but running through the neighborhood sometimes there'd be a car or two, but everyone was aware of the runners, went slow, and did their best to drive on the side where runners weren't.
+ LOTS of police men and women and volunteers helping with intersections, course changes (left, right, straight), and keeping the runners safe. I thanked just about all of them as I passed. Most replied with a thank you, you're welcome, or a 'great job, keep it up. So friendly and awesome to have the support.
+ Course was well marked, mile markers every mile and clocks maybe every 2? Details like that I forget, but I know they had them at most, if not all, mile markers.
+ Aid stations approximately every 1.5 miles. Had water and Nuun (not my favorite, so I brought my own electrolyte drink). I took Nuun once or twice to give it another try, but not a fan of the new formula. I believe they had both Lemon Lime and Tri Berry, alternating each station. I took water at most of the other stops. Mile 7/7.5ish had a group in costumes AND giving out munchkins. This was so welcomed, as I was starting to crash and with the busy-ness of the weekend I forgot my chews. Thank you volunteers!
+ Some of the other runners in my area were characters, hamming it up, or just pushing themselves so much that it helped me push myself. I found one runner that was a similar pace and told myself to stay with her the entire race - even if I got tired, which I did, I had to keep trucking. I high-fived her after we finished (she came in ahead of me, but I was very happy with how it went). Setting a goal like that helped me finish stronger in this race than the race the day before.
+ The majority of the course was in the shade. There was one part where it was out to the town of Fort Sheridan, around, and back, which was in the sun. Luckily, we got some clouds for part of that.
+ At one point, there were a lot of cars coming from different sides, so I went up on the sidewalk, and the officer holding the cars back said to take the street - it was for the runners and to enjoy. I thought that was really cool.
+ Some of the residents came out to cheer. One resident around mile 6.5ish was handing out 8oz of bottled water. What a great man!
+ The scenery was great. I got a glimpse of Lake Michigan, and the houses were beautiful.
+ At the finish line, the announcer gave me a high five and then I received my medal (it was huge), a bottle of water, they had cups of Nuun available, a cold, wet towel, and then a bag with snacks (banana, mini bagel in a bag, bag of mini pretzels, Rice Krispy treat, Silk chocolate milk). I appreciate that it was all in one bag - made it easy to carry afterwards. Even though I'm starving while I run, when I finish it takes me a while before I can eat anything.
+ Free race photo downloads.

CONS:
... none. Unless we count having Nuun on course. I'm just not a fan of the Nuun formula since they changed it, but that's all personal preference. Some people love it. I liked that they let us know ahead of time that Nuun would be on course, so I knew to bring my own drink.

I always feel like I'm so lenient with my review, but honestly, I am racking my brain to think of something I didn't like (that was in the race organizers hands), and I can't. It was well organized, plenty of event communication about pickup, race day events, etc. No beer at the finish, so no complaints that it was one I don't like haha. The neighborhood and everyone working was friendly. Easy and free parking. Great job, RAM! I mean, I'm not a big fan of hills or humidity... but that is what it is. I'm thankful the temps weren't higher, as then I really might have had some problems keeping pace. Phew.

My full on recap: http://www.heatherrunsthirteenpointone.com/2016/06/north-shore-classic-2016-recap.html