Latest reviews by Heather

(2015)
"Fun race, GREAT after party"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The final Terrapin 5k was held on Thursday, July 2 at 6:30pm. This was my first (and turns out only) year running this race, which makes me sad because I had a lot of fun. We ended up having AMAZING weather - possibly upper 60s or lower 70s, but it was lovely.

PROS:
+ Multiple days and locations for packet pickup – Sunday in Deerfield and Elmhurst and Thursday at Fleet Feet Old Town.
+ Race day packet pickup - this is what I utilized. There was no line, and I got my bib/shirt/hat quickly and easily.
+ Easy location to get to, either driving, running, cycling, or using public transit (South end of Grant Park in Arvey Field).
+ The party area was fenced in (gear check, packet pickup, beer and food)
+ Corrals/Waves helped with congestion.
+ Water station around mile 2.
+ Cups of Gatorade at the finish.
+ Lou Malnati's pizza and Magic Hat beer were the post-race goodies (Electric Peel & #9) - great pizza and beer make a nice post-race party, in my opinion :)
+ Band (Old Shoe) playing until 10.
+ Our group looked like so much fun, other people leaving early gave us their leftover beer tickets.
+ Fun themed race - nice way to kickoff the start of the holiday weekend.
+ The course was clearly marked.
+ I purchased my parking using SpotHero and was able to find a place within a few blocks for only $10 for 8 hours (not that I was there that long, but for Chicago parking, it's a steal!).
+ Runner tracking.
+ Chip timed.
+ You could purchase additional beer tickets for $5 each (cash only if you were buying at the race).
+ You were able to pickup friends/family packets - just needed their confirmation email from the race.

CONS:
- Getting into the city on the evening of a holiday weekend can be a pain, if you aren't already there.
- Thursday night races can be tough for some people to get to from work (I actually had to leave early in order to get there on time).
- No bottled water at the end of the race. I usually like to chug a bottle when I'm done, and I was pretty sweaty, so it would have been nice, but not a deal breaker for a 5k. Plus, they had craft beer, so I give them props for that... you know how most other races have gross beer (you know which one I'm referring to).
- I didn't use any of the packet pickups at the stores, but it seemed odd that the one on Wednesday in the city was only from 10–3. If it were only going to be a few hours, I feel maybe 2-7 would have been better for people that couldn't go until after work. However, I don't think its too much of an issue (my opinion) since they offered race day pickup.

I'm adding a photo of the course, since it's easier to see than to explain.

I was there with lots of time to spare before the race, so I got my beer wristband before the race, so I didn't have to worry about it afterwards. I think that as a good decision (not that it seemed like there were much of a line or anything, but one less thing to worry about). I had a lot of fun hanging out with friends after the race, I didn't leave until 9:30! If this race were to come back, I'd say register!!

You can read a more personal view of the day here: http://www.heatherrunsthirteenpointone.com/2015/07/ram-racing-terrapin-5k-recap.html

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(2015)
"Spectacular Race!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was my second year running this race, and in 2015 it was held on Saturday, May 23. It was really great weather - it started in the mid-50s, and was in the low 70s when we were getting kicked out of the tailgate party (when I say kicked out, it's because we stayed until the end).

There isn't an actual expo for this race, but I rated them a 5 because of their packet pickup system. They had multiple days for pickup, including new (this year) suburban locations. I went on a Thursday afternoon and it was easy breezy. They had the bibs in the lobby-type area of Piper's Alley, and then shirt pickup was through the back of Fleet Feet. I think having the 2 sections separate would be quite helpful when it got crowded.

PROS:
+ Some of the best race SWAG: tech shirt and medal
+ SWAG Post-race included a reusable handled SF10 bag with LOTS of snacks: banana, fruit snacks, Skinny Pop popcorn, pretzels, Lemonheads, Oreos, & a Clif Organic Trail Nut Bar.
+ Bottled water at the finish line.
+ Multiple days and locations for packet pickup.
+ Race Day Will-Call Packet Pick-Up. For only $15 per packet, participants can sign up for this service when they register for the race.
+ Friends/family were able to pick up packets - needed the bib confirmation email and a 'note' from the runner that you were given permission to pick up their packet.
+ Parking Validation at packet pickup.
+ Energetic volunteers.
+ Plenty of Aid Stations, manned well, with Gatorade first and water second.
+ The course takes you onto Lake Shore Drive, which helps with the congestion.
+ 4 Corral colors, with each corral having separate waves - again, helped with congestion.
+ Cups of Gatorade being handed out as you walk off the field.
+ One of the best race finishes - running onto Soldier Field and finishing on the 50 year line.
+ Military men and women handing out medals - having the opportunity to thank them for their service was wonderful.
+ Perfect weather. No... the race directors can't help this whether it's good or bad, but it certainly helps with a great race day!
+ Other goodies after the race included Muscle Milk, Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee Samples
+ GOOD BEER at the tailgate party - Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat or Pale Ale
+ Tailgate party lasts long enough that even the final runner has time to enjoy the music & drinks.
+ FREE PARKING.
+ Plenty of race communication/emails to keep the runners updated.
+ Icing station post-race outside - I got my leg iced and saran wrapped on afterwards and the guy was super nice and wrapped it on super well.
+ INSIDE bathrooms! I didn't even have to wait, plus using actual running water (and no ports-potties) makes me happy.

CONS:
... honeslty, I thought this was a great race, and there isn't much to complain about. I guess my only 'problem' was that I wanted to park in the South Lot or at Waldren Deck, but they had the exit ramp blocked off so I had to go to the North lot. This took me maybe 15 more minutes that I had planned, so I missed the group photo I was trying to get to (one girl had to get to her corral), but it was fine. I still had plenty of time until I started. And I don't think it's worth complaining about because the parking was FREE - and is normally $20 for other races, just thought I'd mention as I want to post all details of my race experience. That's where the only rating less than 5 stars came from and why. But again, that's being SUPER nit picky... I was just happy it was free!

I definitely recommend this race and plan on coming back next year. You can read my longer, more personal version here: http://www.heatherrunsthirteenpointone.com/2015/05/soldier-field-10-mile-recap.html.

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(2015)
"LFP Half Marathon With Enthusiastic Volunteers"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Race Management

The Chicago Spring Half Marathon was held on Sunday, May 17, 2015. This year, it was combined with what used to be the Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon that is held in June each year (Start/Finish line for that race was the South Shore Cultural Center). I personally was a bit unhappy that they combined the two, since I enjoyed running those two along with the Chicago Half Marathon in September for the challenge, plus the different race course was enjoyable. I also was unhappy that it meant Chicago Spring Half was joining forces with Michelob Ultra. I'm not a fan of the beer, and I prefer my race swag not be covered in their logo. But that's just me.

Also, I felt the communication on the website was a bit lacking. I think it would have been nice for them to mention that you needed to know your bib number in order to pick up your bib. Luckily, I had the email on my phone so I didn't have to use their computer system to look it up. My mom however, never received an email, and when she looked up her name, it gave her the wrong bib number, which unfortunately wasn't realized until we got home. When she typed in her name, a bib number popped up, which didn't show any name affiliation with it (doesn't seem like a great system... should show the name and bib number to confirm it's correct). We didn't check the teeny tiny name printed on the tear off section, and since it was the same first name (printed larger on the bib itself), neither we or the person checking the ID vs the bib noticed. How the system gave her the wrong number, I still don't know. At the race, they guy said that the system was old... ?? Anyway, she called to get it straightened out, and they re-issued both parties a new bib number, which we picked up at will call the morning of the race. Obviously, it was a little bit of everyone's fault, and I don't blame them completely, but it would have been nice to know previous to going there that we needed the bib number - - a little message in one of the emails they sent, or even a bib number look-up link on the website where it talks about packet pickup.

The morning of the race was breezy, about 65 degrees, and very misty/drizzly. That rain didn't last too long, and the clouds parted eventually for some sun. I actually ended up pretty burnt (clouds or not, I've got Irish skin). It was pretty warm and humid the whole race, so I was thankful that the breeze stayed pretty consistent the whole time.

PROS:
+ The course starts a bit farther north than most other LFP races, so it was nice to have some variety in the scenery.
+ The course markings were fantastic. They used cones, arrows on the ground, and had volunteers at most of the locations that might be confusing on which way to go.
+ Volunteers were all very enthusiastic and friendly, through the end.
+ I had a leg injury that sprouted back up at mile 3, so I was at the back of the pack for the remainder of the race. All of the aid stations were still well-manned and well-stocked, which doesn't happen at all races.
+ Still food left over at the end for back-of-pack runners/walkers to eat.
+ Goose Island brunch buffet (egg scramble = eggs, ham, peppers and onions; pancakes; potatoes = diced potatoes with peppers and onions, turkey sausage, and dole fruit cups).
+ Multiple days for packet-pick up and a few different locations.
+ Post-race party included a live band, free Michelob Ultra (I did not partake), and a place to plant your own flower cup to bring home.
+ Bottle opener medal.
+ At the finish line were towels, bottles of Gatorade and water - plenty left over even when the final finisher came through (always great when they don't run out).
+ So many volunteers at the finish line cheering on the final runners/walkers.
+ I had to stop at the Medical tent for an bandage (the wrap kind). Luckily, I stopped at the one that had it. At the finish line, some lovely volunteers saran wrapped a new bag of ice to my leg.

CONS:
- The communication about packet pick-up and what was needed was lacking.
- The shirt sizes ran VERY small. I had ordered a WM, and I swear, it was like an WXS. I ended up with a WXL, which had a fit like a WM. It's too bad that we didn't know the make of the shirt prior to registering... or have the option to switch when they figured out who it would be from. I based my size off of the 2014 shirt I had, assuming it would be the same. I don't get why all the makers have different measurements for the same sizes, it's a bit frustrating when choosing a size. They did, however, allow exchanges at the race. I'd also say the shirts weren't very exciting. They were navy blue with the Michelob Ultra logo on the front - - would have been nicer if they kept all logos on the back, but I know since they were running the race it had to be on front. And... as much as I love blue, I really liked how last year was a limey-green - very different from most other races, which is nice.
- All other medical tents, except the one I stopped at (about mile 5 or 6 I think), didn't have any bandages. I stopped at the final Medical Tent for ice to wrap on my leg, and there were a bunch of people in the medical shirts sitting on the ground eating, and directed me to go to the other side, where there was no one to help me. Luckily, a guy from the other side (not in a medical shirt), grabbed a ziplock bag and filled it with ice for me. I had to use the wrap I already had on to secure it to my leg, since they didn't have any there. It was fine, but I would have liked to keep the one wrap supporting my leg, and the other to keep the ice on.

Not a pro or a con, but for reference, I parked at the Millenium Park Lakeside Garage, and it was $20 (1–12 hour rate). The Park at Lakeshore East was about a block away from there.

I do enjoy this springtime race, and will probably register again next year. I just need to finish Chicago Half Marathon to receive the Challenge medal :)

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(2015)
"Decent 6.55 mile on the LFP"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
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Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The Chicago Quarter Marathon celebrated its second year, held on Saturday, April 4th with a 9:15am start at Soldier Field. The course went south on the lakefront path and then came back.

PROS:
+ 9:15am start (I enjoy a later morning start time when it's not summer).
+ Was able to receive free shipping of bib and long-sleeve embroidered quarter-zip tech shirt (royal blue, gender specific – see photo) with early bird registration.
+ There was a medal this year - Chicago themed and pretty decent.
+ Easy to get to via driving or public transit.
+ Unique race distance.
+ 2 days for packet pick-up if you didn't get free shipping or opt to pay $10 (at Road Runner Sports).
+ Marching bands on the course.
+ Post-race party included a band.
+ Post-race refreshments included a banana, bottled water, and two flavors of LARABAR UBER.
+ 4 Aid Stations (technically 2, but with an out and back, gave you 4 chances for water).
+ Beneficiary: Prevent Child Abuse America

CONS:
- I understand not having any gatorade or other sports drink on the course, since it's not that long of a distance, but I do wish there was bottled something (other than water) to replenish electrolytes post-race.
- It's nice being able to park at Soldier Field, but wish the cost wasn't $20. I know the race doesn't set the cost, but still something to consider.

I think it's a nice race to help transition you into racing season (though I feel racing season is all year long... at least for me it is!). With the beginning of April, you don't really know what kind of weather you'll get, but it was generally OK this year (mid-30s with 10MPH winds and partly cloudy).

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(2015)
"Festive 7k on Chicago LFT"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This year's Get Lucky 7k was held on Saturday, March 14 at Soldier Field. Parking was available for $20 at Waldron Deck. The half started at 9 and the 7k at 9:30.

Packet pickup was on Friday, March 13 in the South Lot of Soldier Field.

PROS:
+ Nice SWAG - hooded full zip sweatshirt + medal.
+ Fun Distance - 7k.
+ Great views on the lakefront path.
+ Get Luck 7k has a 2-hour time limit which equals approximately a 30-minute/mile pace. The Half Marathon (a.k.a. Triple 7K or 21K) has a 3 1/2-hour time limit.
+ Friend or family member could pick up packet for you (needed your bib number and a copy of your photo ID).
+ Beautiful weather this year, but they had heated tents for runners in case of nasty weather (which it had been the past 2 years).
+ 2 Aid Stations with water & powerade.
+ DJ at the start/finish.
+ Get Lucky background for photo ops.
+ I didn't utilize, but there was gear check.
+ Easily accessible - either by driving or public transit, it's easy to get to.
+ Post-race goodies - Bottle of Water, Banana, and a clear bag filled with 2 mini Lara Bars, 2 bags of Lara Granola, and a bag of potato chips.
+ Runners having fun - dress in costumes & festive outfits.

CONS:
- There are no waves, so the path can be a bit congested at times, especially when runners or walkers go more than 2 wide.
- Packet Pickup is only on one day. If you wanted race day pickup, you had to pay a convenience fee of $30. Same went for mailing ($30) - - quite expensive if you can't make it on packet pickup day or don't have a friend/family member to pick up your packet.
- I don't feel like they give ample time regarding giving out information about packet pick up or race day logistics - - packet pickup location changed maybe a week prior to race

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