Pumpkins in the Park 5k (RAM Racing event) was held on Saturday, October 22 at 4pm in Lincoln Park with a start/finish at Lincoln Park South Fieldhouse. Weather was great - in the mid-50s. This was my first time running the event and overall I thought it was awesome.

PROS:
+ Packet pickup on Friday at Fleet Feet Old Town from 10a–8p and then at the race site Saturday from 1:30–3:30pm. I love race day pickup as it can be hard for me to get into the city on a Friday after work.
Packet included a hooded long sleeve tech shirt. It was black with a pumpkin - pretty neat and unique I think.
+ Lots of things to do pre- and post-race.
+ Course took you North past the lagoon, and the zoo, Nature Museum, and then back around with a loop by the zoo and then you were at the finish.
+ Clear markings at miles - clocks and signs.
+ Course was easy to follow with cones and course marshals.
+ One water stop at about 1.5 miles - water and Nuun available.
+ Awesome post-race goodies. Bottled water, Nuun in cups, Eli's pumpkin pie, Clif Nut Butter Bars, and Taffy Apples covered in sprinkles! They also were making popcorn on site and the line moved pretty quickly. Also Goose Island 312 or OMG for participants 21+.
+ Free race photos.

CONS:
- The first mile was pretty congested. The path wasn't very wide, so maybe adding another corral would be helpful in breaking that up a bit (there were only A and B).
- Not the race's fault, but due to some rains the previous day (day of?), parts of the path had some large puddles making the congestion worse.