The Big Chill is the 4th race in the WI Winter Run Series, and the only one that takes place outside if the Milwaukee Metro area.

Overall, this series had its fair amount of issues with new ownership, but this race was one of the better run. Likely since it’s one of two that didn’t change from last year. The only issue this year was a stalled car that was leaking gas on the course that we were told to “avoid as best you can.” Cool.

Packet pickup like always was either at Performance Running Outfitters the day before, or on site race morning. If anything improved the most, it was the efficiency of packet pickup at the series.

Parking for this one is always an adventure. Hartford Union HS has a somewhat limited parking lot, limited further by the fact that the race uses part of it for staging and the start/finish line.

This year, the indoor hangout area was also limited a bit as we were in the school cafeteria as opposed to the gym like in years past.

In years past, the a Big Chill was notorious for being a little bit short of a 5k. So the new owners added a small section onto the course...and now it’s a little long. Whatever.

The course itself runs almost entirely through neighborhoods. While I like this, I always question the wisdom of neighborhood routes when the roads aren’t closed. Granted on a January Sunday that isn’t much of an issue, but you still need to be on the lookout for cars.

It also isn’t the flattest course. It isn’t “OMG hills for days.” But you’ve got some nice inclines (especially around Mile 2). It also seems like without fail there are parts of the course covered in snow. And yes, I know it’s a January race in Wisconsin, so that’s expected.

At this point I could probably copy and paste the post race for all the Winter Series runs. Long wait for awards, poor communication for when overall awards will be, and no beer despite our beer ticket (only redeemable at the brewery).

The shirt is fine. Soft cotton with an ok design. You wouldn’t run in it (probably) but it’s comfy at the least.

You also get a finishers medal for both the 5k and 10k. I don’t love that, but if medals are your thing, you’ll get one