This is my second Color Run, and I was excited to see the new additions or changes this year.
Because the race was in Grant Park, I paid a little extra money to have my race packet mailed to me. It ends up being the same amount I would have paid for parking. I loved that I got my packet early because it gave me time to color in my own bib! Such a fun feature. In the packet, I also received a Color Run t-shirt, retro headband, and happy temporary tatoo.
Before driving to Chicago, I reserved my parking spot using the Parkwhiz app, which is something they recommend. I got a good price for parking and made getting downtown a lot more relaxing.
The race started in Grant Park, on the north side. There was a lot of vendors set up, along with fun photo-ops with blow ups and a wall to write on. The start area easy. You didn't have to wait for a wave, you just start when you'd like. This made it very easy for big families or groups of friends that were planning on running together. At the start line there was a DJ and they were throwing out even more swag!
The race route was several down and backs throughout the park. Right around mile 1, is when I reached the first color station. There were around 5 different color stations in the 3 mile route, which were so much fun to walk through. It got a little clustered at times, but that might be because I started in the back of the pack. If you wanted to get completely covered in color, you they would pour the color powder on you. If you weren't too keen on loads of color, there were easy ways of getting by the color people. Just after mile 2 they had a water station set up. It was a little congested but again, I was towards the end of the group.
The best part of the race was at the finish area. First we went through a foam station. This was new and so much fun! Then we went through one last round of color before going through the finish.
At the finish, they handed out medals to everyone along with our very own packet of color powder to use at the post-party. I immediately went the post-party where there was a DJ, tons of people dancing and throwing powder on each other! It was a crazy party but very family friendly as well. After some time participating in the party, I decided to check out the vendors surrounding the park. I got tons of samples of different juices, chips, candy, and so much more.

This race is ideal for families (especially with children) and for large groups. The whole race is walkable and keeps you interested and excited to keep going. It doesn't feel like 3 miles!