A fun 5k in Chicago along the Lakefront! I ran this race for the first time, and it was also my first time running an evening/night race. It's a fun environment and a fast course built for PRs!

Packet Pickup was held at Fleet Feet Chicago in Old Town the day before the race. Packet Mailing was also available (for $15). If neither of these options worked for you, you could pick up your packet the day of. This is really rare at races but is so appreciated! Everyone has different schedules to work around. I picked up my Packet at Fleet Feet Chicago, and was in and out in 30 seconds!
The Goodie Bag was a RAM Racing drawstring bag with my bib and the race shirt, which was a black shirt with side mesh panels. The race logo was reflective and rather small in the upper right side. I was a little disappointed with the shirt-- it was very plain and a missed opportunity to have something great! I hope next year they take that feedback to make something more awesome!

Gear check was very easy, simply by affixing a tear-tab from my bib to my own bag.

The course is a fast and flat out-and-back setup. It unfortunately goes south through the McCormick Place tunnel (watch your step-- the pavement is not in great condition!) and right before the turn around, hits an aid station which stocked Nuun and then water. The course then utilizes the Chicago Lakefront Trail to head north back to near the Start Line. The Finish Line was high-energy with lots of cheering and happy volunteers! Bottled water and cups of Nuun were given out at the Finish.

The festival after was perhaps one of the coolest parts, featuring a really awesome local cover band, Maggie Speaks! Your registration also included a free meal (a sausage and chips) and a free Bell's beer! This is a nice touch!

Overall, I had a good experience and would run this race again. I had a blast with my friends and really enjoyed the setup with the festival afterwards. Such a cool way to spend an evening in Chicago!