-
Highland Park,
Illinois,
United States - June
- 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
- Road Race
- Event Website
Frank Nardomarino
Highland Park, Illinois, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
So, this is probably my favorite race since it's in my home town. While I will retire from racing one day, I will still be part of this challenging and fun race. There is so much to entice runners to run the half marathon with the scenery. Today's race was much cooler than last year yet still no clouds in the sky. I got there pretty early and there are so many available areas to park in so close to the start line. Plus, the parking garages are free!
The race started at 7:00am for the 5K runners and 7:30 for the half marathon. Temps were in the 60s and there was a decent cool breeze. The prerace excitement starts out on St John's Avenue and racers were greeted with the star spangled banner. The course was pretty much the same as last year with a small section of Waverly Avenue added. The scenery along the course shows off Highland Park's beautiful lakefront mansions, the downtown district, Ravinia Festival grounds, Park Avenue beach and the HILL, and the old Fort Sheridan military base with some historic buildings.
The course aid stations as always were filled with enthusiastic volunteers encouraging the runners. They were all ready with the cold water and electrolytes and cheered on runners taking the time to read the bib names.
I can't recommend this race enough as RAM Racing always does an amazing job organizing such a fun run. This year's medal was pretty cool with the spinning logo. I can't wait to sign up for next year!