When you think of doing a race in December in Chicago, you picture yourself running in an ugly holiday sweater along a snowy trail in the freezing cold. This race was just the opposite- sixty degrees, slightly rainy and muddy!

Because the course was on a dirty path for about 75% of the race, there were lots of puddles and mud. Had it been typical Chicago weather, it would have been easier to navigate. While I didn't stop at any aid stations, they appeared well stocked and well-placed. The scenery along the course was nothing special. We ran along the lakefront trail with partial view of the skyline, but mostly it was apartment buildings, trees, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The organization was really well done. It's one of Fleet Feet's races, so packet pickup was held at one of their stores. They also offered the option of choosing the color of the beanie hat (the race swag), which I appreciated. At the start/finish the gear check was easy to manage, and the sponsors of the race provided free coffee, donuts, and apple cider. Santa made an appearance for some post-race pictures too.

They handed out awards for the top three male and female finishers (third place was a gingerbread house mix, I'm not sure what the second or first were). For the top three finishers in each age group they also gave out prizes. Unbeknownst to me I finished in the top three so later in the week I received a reindeer cookie cutter and spice mix to make holiday cookies. It was pretty cute and fit well with their Rudolph theme.

Overall the race was a good option for a winter race, and a fun one to do with friends.