Overall, this was a really fun race. The idea behind it was to be kind of like a kickoff party for the NFL season. There was a post-race "tailgate," and the Packers-Seahawks game was shown on the big screen in the park. It seemed like it was a race people did just for the shirt, or because they're Bears fans, which is fine. But if you really want to race it? I wouldn't recommend it for that purpose.

The packet pickup line was awful. It was supposed to open at 5, but ended up being more like 5:15. I was in line for what felt like forever, and it took me almost 40 minutes to cycle through. When the packet pickup information isn't released until the Tuesday before the race, this is going to happen. Plan accordingly.

Gear check was also a bit of a disaster. No one was told ahead of time that clear plastic bags needed to be used, and no clear bags were handed out at packet pickup. I nearly ran with my backpack until my friend and I found a clear plastic garbage bag and shoved 3 bags into it.

The course was a simple out-and-back on the LFT. Nothing spectacular, and nothing super challenging either. I did like the whole wave start idea - you signed up for a wave (one of 4 that were 15 minutes apart). Each wave was designated a player wave (Briggs, Cutler, Marshall, or Tillman). Your shirt and bib corresponded to your wave. So I have a super cool Briggs t-shirt, which is Nike and very high-quality. It really is worth doing this one for the shirt alone!

Post-race there was a ton of water, Gatorade, and snacks. Participants got a free beer (Miller Lite) and the opportunity to catch the game outside. I didn't stay for any of the festivities, but was told from a friend that they were well-done and a lot of fun. I'll definitely put this one my list for next year!

A really cool little 5K in the suburbs. The race starts in the parking lot at Arlington Park, and finishes on the track. Yes, you run about a half mile on the actual track. The rest of the course isn't much to write home about - it just winds around the Arlington Park grounds before approaching the track. You do get to go through the stables and apartments area, which is something that not everyone gets to do. But you don't do this race for that. You do it to run on the track.

Once you get on the track, it's like what I imagine running on jello would feel like. It's a little wobbly footing, and it takes awhile to get used to it, because for a time I felt like I wasn't moving forward. On the homestretch, you can see yourself on the jumbotron and hear the race announcer call your name. Upon finishing, you're directed to the winner's circle for the coldest bottles of water ever and a "feedbag" of snacks (think granola bars and candy). You also get 1 free beer- and it's a giant 20 oz beer, and amazing. There was a deejay spinning tunes, and everyone got to sit outside and enjoy the lovely evening.

If you bring spectators, they are allowed to come into the park and cheer for you from the stands! So definitely bring your fans. I'd also recommend picking up your packet in advance at the local running store (if you can), because the line can get rather long.

Sometimes you need a gimmick, and that's what this race was built on. When it was first announced, we were promised a good ol' fashioned hoedown, complete with line dancing, a country music fest, and a mechanical bull. As we drew nearer to the race, the mechanical bull wasn't an option, and the country music fest was just a band. I'd done races put on by F^3 in the past and had fun, so I added this one to my schedule regardless.

The course was fine - out and back south from Soldier Field on the LFT. As is normally the case with F^3 events, the course measured short on my watch (and on my friends'). Post-race there was just water and bananas, and free beer from 312. We got "bolo tie medals," which look like a shoelace with a metal piece and really aren't that impressive.

We spread a blanket out on the lawn to enjoy our beers, and were chatting with other runners. One line dance was taught, 2 more songs were sung, and then... nothing. The music stopped, it got horribly dark, and that was it. We have no idea what happened, and there is a social media black hole. It was super weird.

In my opinion, overall this race was just okay. There are better options for summer 5Ks in the city.

This was my 3rd time doing this race. I really like the course, which is challenging at times with hills. There are plenty of downhills and flat parts on the trail as well! There is plenty of (free) parking near the start line, and they offer race day packet pickup. High-quality t-shirt and a bottle opener medal. Post-race party involves unlimited pizza and beer, and a giant tub of pop (pretty much my dream scenario).

My only issue was with the aid stations. They were very poorly placed, to the point where my body was screaming for water at times. It's August, people! I'd recommend bringing your own water, which I will most certainly do if I decide to run this one again.

I really did not like this race. Not a bit. I'm glad that I won a free entry and didn't waste my own money.

I get it - rah rah lady race. It's a thing. As such, the shirt and medal and other goodies are really nice... although there was a sample for some sort of lady diaper thing which was terrifying. The packet pickup was inconvenient for those of us who don't live in the city and weren't going to stay at the hotel. Ditto the inconvenience for the race start - want to get there, take a shuttle bus, there's no parking (lies- there WAS parking). I ended up getting dropped off, so it wasn't too big of an issue.

The course was actually very nice. Two out-and-back loops, one north and one south. What wasn't nice about the course? The lack of aid stations. It seems as if they only supported the 10K. For several miles on the back half of the course, there was nothing. Luckily I stopped (TWICE) on the LFT to use the drinking fountain. The race also provided only 10 toilets for the entire field of runners. The line was insane. But don't worry, you guys, there was plenty of wine and vegetarian sandwiches to go around.

A word to the race directors - not everyone wants wine or a vegetarian sandwich. But everyone would like water and to use the toilet without having to wait forever. Allocate your resources correctly, people! I most definitely will not be back.