The Soldier Field 10 Mile was held on Saturday, May 28 with a 7am start for the waves. Temps were in the mid- to upper 70s with about 75% humidity, and sunny,

PROS:
+ Multiple dates and locations for pickups. Naperville Running Company, Saturday, May 14, 2016 - 10am to 6pm; Fleet Feet Deerfield, Thursday, May 19, 2016 - 3pm to 7pm; Fleet Feet Oak Park Saturday, May 21, 2016 - 10am to 6pm; Fleet Feet Old Town, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 - Friday, May 27, 2016 - 10am to 8pm.
+ Mailing packet option for I think $15.
+ Plenty of emails with race information.
+ Ability to pick up other participant packets. Needed confirmation email with code.
+ 5 mostly well-stocked aid stations on course with both water and Nuun. The first one didn't seem to have any Nuun when we went by, and there was one or two where I had to take from the table because no one was passing out, or they couldn't pour quickly enough to re-fill and get someone out there to hand out. Not a big deal IMO; I was able to get what I needed when.
+ Aid stations also had portapotties.
+ The wave starts allow for the course to not get too cramped. I'm not a huge fan of going under McCormick Place, but it takes you to LSD, which is better than having up and back be all on the LFP. No way would that many runners fit.
+ SWAG was a finishers medal and red Under Armour SF10 tech shirt (I would say it fit true to size).
+ Course was clearly marked.
+ All volunteers and workers were friendly, energetic, and motivating.
+ Getting your finisher medal from an active military man/woman is really something special. I made sure to thank as many as I could for their service.
+ Post race goodies included bottled water and a plastic bag that you would receive after going through the stadium, past gear check, and outside - had tortilla chips, cliff mini, and banana. Glad they do it in bags to make it easier to carry, but I did miss the reusable bags of the past.
+ Finishing on the field is really cool, however this year there is a negative to it. Read on...
+ Post-race party includes a live band, samples of products, Goose Island 312, a slip and slide, charity tents.
+ FREE PARKING if you arrived before a certain time. I didn't know this until getting there (unlike my mom, I hadn't read through the entire participant guide... she was prepared haha). If you are from Chicago or run here ever, you know this is a big deal. Usually to park at SF it costs $20, and that's a race day special.
+ Cold wet towel post race. Ahhhh, felt so good.
+ Post race party goes till 11 and a lot of people stick around. Great to hang out with your faster running friends :) Also, that means a lot are out there to help cheer in the final runners.

CONS:
- For me personally, I am not a fan of the new Nuun formula. So for all the years I wished they were on course, now that they finally are, it's disappointing because I'm not a fan anymore. Obviously this is all personal preference, but I would have preferred the usual Gatorade (or if they were going something different, then Skratch would be my vote).
- Regarding that Finish on the 50... Beyonce's concert was on Friday and Saturday night, and the field was completely covered up by the stage and the flooring, so not quite the same experience as previous years when you are literally running on the field.
- Bottle neck at the beginning before heading into McCormick Place tunnel can be tough to maneuver around. Lots of people running on the grass, some pushing. That's mainly the only troublesome area, but not sure how that could be fixed at all.
- I missed the cute, small reusable bags that were given out in years past with the food in them.

OTHER:
• Not sure if this was because of the concert, but you run underneath the stadium for a longer than previous years... so while you're like I'm at the end! you still actually have a little bit longer to go haha. Not really a con, just something to make note of, I feel.
• Free race photos. They won't be up until Thursday, so I can't say positive or negative until I see if I actually have photos. Usually when they are free, it means less photographers at the start, finish, or on course, and I'm lucky to even get one photo. We shall see.

It's a great way to kick of Memorial Day Weekend and to say thanks to those members of the military that are there handing out medals, running, etc. I do love this race and it's unique aspects are what keep me coming back each year. No, the race isn't cheap, but it's worth it.