Originally I was signed up for the half marathon. I had to drop to the 5k. I’m not sure if it was because I ran this race as a BibRavePro or a glitch in the system, but I couldn’t change my distance online and had to reach out to customer service. Not a big deal. One thing to note if you are switching down, you’ll receive a refund! Most races I’ve ran regardless if you are running more or less there is a fee.

Pros:
-Someone else can pick up your packet, (thanks, Heather!)
-Grant park start & finish
-5k had some “elevation”
-Running down the Mag Mile versus lakefront for the 5k was a welcomed change of scenery
-Easy access via uber, train, close parking near by
-Tons of post race food: sandwich, Eli’s Cheesecake, chips, and I think something else. I gave it all to my co-workers working the booth
-Path wasn’t crowded for the 5k
-I liked that I could see other runners on the other side of the Mag Mile. I wasn’t going for a time, only running. So I was watching for friends. I’m really good at spotting Heather.
-Well organized
-Corrals A-D with 2 minutes in between
-Photographers on course. I believe all photos are free
-Results were up in real time
-LONG SLEEVE SHIRT! I have so many t's it's nice to have something more useful.

Cons:
-I was told there were 5K runners in Corral A but I didn’t see any. I saw a woman who is constantly in the top female runners in the B corral with me. Had I been concerned with time I would have snuck under the rope ;) Based on SF10 time I should have easily had an A on my bib.
-5K turn sign was a little removed from the course and you would have to turn on to the 5k route to see it. Half marathon was marked and there was a guy flagging. BUT if I didn’t look at the course map I might have missed it

Other:
-I didn’t see a beer tent anywhere, I know there was beer somewhere, but I didn’t see it.
-I don’t know if I actually received a participant guide in my email? If I did I missed it. I went through it online and missed the fact that there was bike parking. Had I known I would have biked to the race. Something like this should be called out more.