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've done this race every year in its existence, and this year's course was by far the WORST. There was so much weaving in downtown Chicago, we were just going around in circles for miles and miles, which was really annoying. There weren't any bands until mile 6 (which I didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me), but they usually stink anyway. That and the fact that this race takes place in July mean that PRs are pretty unlikely, unless you are running so fast because you just want to be done!

Rock n Roll races are pretty cookie cutter (City for Dummies), so everything was standard - expo, pre-race, post-race snacks, shirt, and medal. One thing that was not great was the start corrals - there were no fences around the start area, so you could basically start wherever. I was running with some friends in the back of the pack, but if I were more in the front, I would assume there would be a lot of weaving involved.

The medal and the shirt this year really went above and beyond, and are right up there with my favorites. I really do like this race, I would just appreciate more straightaways and less loop-de-loops in the Loop next year!

Why you should run this race:
-Fast, flat course
-Indoor toilets at the start and finish
-Race day packet pickup
-Great shirt and medal
-Reasonable registration fee
-Plenty of drinks and snacks at the finish line
-Great volunteers and a surprisingly large amount of spectators
-Smaller race and not crowded on the course
-Ample (and free) parking within a block or two of the race start

I really, truly enjoy this race. It ticks all of my boxes. Highly recommended.

My second time racing in Cleveland, but my first Ohio marathon. I really liked the course, and the part along the lake was really pretty. However, it was way too crowded until the half marathoners broke off at mile 10, and there were no toilets on the course between miles 10-16. It was horrible for people with stomach issues (like myself).

I can't say enough nice things about the spectators on the course. I quickly went from chasing a PR to walking 15 miles of the race. So many people asked me if I was all right and if I needed anything, and I really appreciated it. The pacers were amazing as well - I started off with the 4 hour pace group, dropped from them at 10, and bumped into the pace leader at the end of the race. He was so incredibly nice and supportive, and I really appreciated the kind words he gave me when he found out just how terribly my day ended up.

When I crossed the finish line 5+ hours after starting, there were still medals and tables of food and people to hand out drinks. My friend came in an hour after I did, and they were still there. We appreciated getting snacks and finisher photos like you would not believe! Great shirts and finisher medals as well.

My only big complaint was gear check - it seemed to be in a really inconvenient place, and I got lost both before and after the race. (After being on your feet for 26.2 mile, extra steps to find gear check are agonizing.)

Bottom line - Cleveland rocks! Check this race out!