In my head, this course was a single-loop race in a two carpeted exhibit halls in McCormick Place prime for an easy PR. In hindsight, this was not very logical to think that a 5k loop could take place indoors without it doubling up on itself and carpet is placed per event and a costly expense for a fundraising event. . . The race director referred to the course as something along the lines of a “bowl of spaghetti” since the course tightly serpentined through two concrete exhibit halls. This realization can be summed up two things runners hate: shin splints and achy knees and hips.

The race started in several waves and participants were encouraged to sort themselves by pace with clear signage. It was a pretty laid back crowd with plenty of walkers or those running more leisurely. The course was about as exciting as an empty exhibit hall could be with constant tight turns. One benefit of the constant switchbacks was that it was easy to survey the participants ahead and behind.

Ample volunteers were present to help with course marshaling, aid station, gear check and to help participants get to the race area from the entrance. The miles were clearly marked, although hard to find in the large halls and without a map to get an idea of where they were. I would argue that this was not too spectator friendly since the only area that they could easily watch was in between the two halls once again because of how tightly packed the course is in the halls. On the other hand, it is indoors which let's the spectators be comfortable while watching a race in February.

The race shirt is a soft long sleeve cotton top. Race packet pick up was very easy and organized. Considering the primary focus of the 5k seemed to be to raise funds for the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute it was relatively well organized and thought out. I did not stay for the award ceremony or the relay race.

Being able to run indoors freely not on a treadmill or a small track in the middle of winter was a welcomed break. I paid about $60 after the online processing fee which does seem a bit high for a 5k. I would not seek this course out to try for a PR again because of the constant tight turns, but maybe as something to break winter training up with and would do so begrudgingly for the price.

Edited to add pictures of the course. . . which you won't find on the website; only happy smiling people.