This was my third year running the Santa Hustle 5k in Chicago. I love the atmosphere of this race - laid back, Christmas-themed, fun. Also, I enjoy winter racing. The weather was bearable, considering what it could be in Chicago this time of year. There were a couple thousand 'santas' for this event.

PROS:
+ Packet pickup at multiple locations (city and suburbs) on multiple days
+ Friends/family could pick up your packet - just needed your registration confirmation email (QR code)
+ All runners received a santa hat, santa beard, and uni-sex do-fit half-zip with thumb holes. I felt the fit was good, even though it wasn't gender specific and it's a nice material. Plus, not just a a t-shirt, something a little more unique.
+ Parking, though backed up and crowded, was easy enough/easy to get to. $20 (Waldron Deck)
+ Easy access via public transit
+ Soldier Field race start/finish with a 9am start (sleep in a little later!)
+ Though I didn't attend, a post race party at Navy Pier with deals at bars/restaurants starting at 10am (just need your race bib to receive discounts)
+ Awards for top 3 Male and Female in each age group. Awards mailed, so no ceremony to stick around for if you're in a hurry.
+ cookies and candy on course (around mile 1 and 2.5)
+ Bottled water, Clif Bars at finish
+ Course wasn't too congested, despite the amount of people
+ Corrals based on pace, though you weren't specifically put in one, you line up accordingly.
+ Corrals released every 4ish minutes to help with congestion
+ Though it went under McCormick Place, which I usually hate, it seemed better lighted than usual. Plus, having the course this way means it isn't an up and back all on the LFP, which would be pretty miserable with that kind of crowd.
+ LFP was clear of any snow/ice
+ Energetic, friendly volunteers
+ Communication was great - plenty of email reminders, updates, etc from race management
+ Most people 'complied' with the wearing of the Santa Hustle swag/beard/hat - so it's a sea of santas - fun!

CONS:
Other than having a bit of a traffic jam to get into parking and the pre-post race area being very muddy/wet (can't be helped), I can't think of anything I disliked.

If my calendar is open, I'll be back for 2016. Maybe there'll be a half option for Chicago, too? Pretty please?