This has been the year for pacing for me. This year I got to pace the 3 hour group with Chicago Endurance Sports and met some really incredible people along the way!

The Rock and Roll Chicago is a fantastic event that is always very hot every year. It goes through both the city and the Lakefront. It ends with a light show and the scenic tour of the museums and the start of the race. As I was waiting to pace I was greeted by many people that were out of state and doing their first half as well.

The expo was one of the best I have gone to. There were a good variety of vendors and lots of freebies. The parking at McCormick Place was discounted and that was a big bonus. It was packed nicely so you could either browse or go quickly through.

On the day of the event it was pretty easy to get to using Millennium Parking. The course is amazing with views of important landmarks such as the city view, Lakefront and many famous architecture. It kinds of gives a preview of what is to come if you do the Chicago Marathon yet takes you on the Lakefront which is not seen during the marathon.

I thought they had a good deal of food left after we finished, medical personnel were available to help and the medal was nice. If you wanted a photo it was pretty easy and I was impressed how Meb took so many pictures was available before and after the race.

The after party is nice with a band and a choice of your favorite brew or cold coffee. It was such a treat to have a ice coffee after the event!!!! Also they had a first aid tent nearby and lots of vendors and more freebies.

My only complaint is that I think they should of have more water stops at the beginning of the 10K of the race since with the heat there is more of a problem with dehydration. I also think maybe they could of done corrals with thirty seconds instead of a minute since it took over 45 minutes to start near the back. Also I had trouble with my GPS during the course because it was between lots of buildings. This also happens in other Chicago races so it is not a big deal.

I would definitely do this race again. It is a great race and a training run for the fall. It gives a feel of Chicago without the full marathon effect.

For more information contact:

http://www.runrocknroll.com/chicago/

PS. I have also done the Denver Rock and Roll twice and also the Arizona but Chicago with it's architecture and crowd support is definitely my favorite