F^3 has a reputation as a grass-roots, runners-first organization, so I had high hopes for this event in spite of better judgement usually swaying me away from first year events. That said, even if this was a new organization that had never put on a race before, I would have been disappointed, but it was a little more disheartening seeing the little things missed by a 'Runner's First' group like F^3.

First, the easy and good things- simple online sign up, multiple pre-race packet pickup options with race day pickup an option, convenient enough location at Soldier Field and a late evening race start. Alright!

However. Cost was $35 for the 5k, and while that included a nice tech shirt (can't get enough white tech shirts for summer long runs), cowboy hat, a bolo tie, a post-race beer and free race pictures (which my inner narcissist loves), for a few bucks off I could've done without a frill or two. Getting to Soldier Field on a weeknight via public can be frustrating, and the $20 parking fee was no incentive to drive. Many races at Soldier Field have discounted parking, so it's not unheard of and while not necessary, it's definitely preferred.

Once at the race, self-seeded corrals went off in waves, and self-seeded corrals are almost always a bad idea. Even though the field was small-ish (<1,000 runners), there was some crowding in the first half mile that could have likely been avoided with some sort of qualified corral system. Course was a simple out and back along the lakefront path, sufficient aid stations for the distance and not much congestion on the path. Can't complain about views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan for course scenery.

The theme was a bit of a miss for me. I get the concept of bringing a country music themed race to the city, but it seemed a bit forced and thin, with the initially marketed 'Country Music Festival' replaced with... a quick line dancing party that consisted of maybe two songs? I don't recall the headlining act coming on, but after the line dancing there was a gap in entertainment (that might have just been the end of it) and an even longer food line that prompted my girlfriend and I to leave for a late dinner.

There was plenty of space at the post race afterparty area to converse with other runners (always fun) and stretch out and I would give the race another chance next year at an early bird price,