I signed up for the 2017 Soldier Field 10 miler over the summer of 2016, after running the 2016 race. I paid about $45 bucks, I'm glad I didn't pay more than that because I was really sad to see this race not so great this year. Communication was horrible via email, never got ANY emails about packet pick ups, confirmations, etc. I relied on FB to get that info, which if that's the way RAM is going, fine, but tell us! Packet pick up in the city was once again at Fleet Feet Old Town, in and out on Friday afternoon. Saturday morning I headed downtown and found great free steeet parking on Michigan Ave by 18th. I have been burned in the past with the parking situation at Soldier Field (in traffic for over 35 mins last year), even though it's free parking, which is great, I rather walk the .8 miles to and from the race and not deal with the parking garages and construction on Lake Shore Drive. New this year was the starting line being ON the field! Kinda cool! Prior to starting, there was a beautiful ceremony by the Folds of Honor CEO, the official charity of the run. Moved me to tears hearing about the organization, seeing the color guard, hearing the names of the fallen armed forces. We started a bit after 7am, out from the 50 and on to the course. I started in Corral C, kinda tight but not nearly as bad as other races I've ran. We ran to the lakefront path, thru the underpass at McCormick Place, back to Lakeshore Drive for 5 miles. The mile markings were WAY off, I thought it was just me, but everyone around me running was talking about it during our runs. Lots of frustration. Another dislike about this years run was in my opinion LACK of water stations, only 5 on the course. I did though LOVE that Nuun was on the course instead of Gatorade and the volunteers at the water stations were amazing and cheerful and that made me happy! Finished on the 50, got my medal and beer and thankful for all the men and women who keep our freedom. I hope in the future RAM will take note of what made the race not so great for people and change it back to how if used to be when FF put it on...in my opinion, quality.