I think the course is what sets this race apart- particularly the first 2/3 of it which is routed through moderate rolling hills, in a more residential area with large trees that shade the street. It's 3star difficulty for a midwest experience, but probably more like 2stars for folks from hilly areas. Near the mid point you descend down a hill toward the lake,and then begin a pretty good climb back up. The last few miles flatten out, but also are routed through a pretty wide open townhouse complex in fort sheridan that isn't the most scenic end for an otherwise lovely course. If it's warm and sunny, this is where you'll feel it, and perhaps change your mind about whether you'd recommend this race to a friend! This is one of those races I left thinking I might have liked better if it were run backward. But in honesty, probably not.