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Latest reviews by Maureen
Maureen recommends this race
(2014)
"fun in the suburbs"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This was my 3rd time doing this race, and I still really enjoy it. It's at Busse Woods, a forest preserve near Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. There are plenty of paths to take so you don't have to do TOO many circles on the course.
Parking is not real great, as the grove is crowded and fills out quickly. It's even worse to exit. If you live in the area, I'd recommend getting dropped off across the street - I've done that the last couple of years, and it worked out great. The race has gear check, so you can bring everything you need. There is also race day packet pickup, which I appreciate from local half marathons.
The course itself is fine. It's flat and fast. Not too scenic, aside from the elk pasture, and any time you get to see the road. There aren't a lot of aid stations, so be prepared, or bring your own fluids. Medal and t-shirt are great, and keep getting better in quality as the years go on.
Most of the people do this race for the egg hunt at the end, where prizes such as gift certificates to Dick Pond's can be found. It does start a considerable time after the race, so if you're faster, you'll be waiting around awhile.
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(2014)
"one-and-done for this runner"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I didn’t like this race. Normally, I have no problem with races put on by Special Events Management, but I swear when I signed up for this one, I was promised a medal. While they did mail my packet to me as promised, there were no medals. I got a sticker, but not a medal. The post-race treats consisted of bottled water, bananas, and bagels. That’s it. No Gatorade, not even at any of the aid stations on the course. For 6+ miles? Not acceptable.
The course is fine (typical out-and-back on the LFT), and the fleece they gave out is nice. It's really nothing spectacular. I won't be back.
Maureen recommends this race
(2014)
"best 5K in the city"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Easily the best 5K in the city. The course does have a lot of turns, which don't make it ideal for a PR, but it's still fast and flat. Great amenities both on the course and afterwards. Race shirt is uniquely designed for the race, so if you do races just for the shirts, put this one on your list! And don't forget to grab your cinnamon roll at the end!
Maureen recommends this race
(2014)
"the unofficial start of the running season in chicago!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Everybody loves Shuffle day! It's a great opportunity for runners not necessarily ready for the full marathon to be able to run part of the marathon course.
The course winds through downtown and is awesome. GPS watches have a lot of trouble with the bridges and tunnels, so consider yourself warned. Aid stations are well-stocked and placed very well along the course. Post-race, you get a treat bag and a free beer, although everyone always buys additional beer tickets and hangs out by the fountain.
The wave start is a recent addition that I like a lot. It makes sure that the course is not crowded, and that everyone can run comfortably at their pace. The only downside is that if you have friends in a different wave, you'll be waiting awhile.
The shirt is pretty hit-or-miss. Yes, it's very corporate looking, but sometimes there's a cool design (see 2012 and 2013). This year's is not the best, but it's still a high-quality Nike shirt.
Bottom line - this race is a Chicago institution. If you've never done it, what are you waiting for?
Maureen recommends this race
(2014)
"a chicagoland classic!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
If you're fast and you live in Chicago, then you do this race. It sells out in less than a half an hour, at 6:30am on New Year's Eve, and there's a reason why. Hands down this is one of the best organized half marathons I have ever completed, ever.
The weather is always questionable (rain, snow, wind, ice, etc), and the course is hilly and pretty tough. The aid stations are plentiful and very well-staffed. The volunteers are enthusiastic. Having the high school open before the race (RE: indoor gear check and toilets) is really an advantage. There are only giant pretzels and Gatorade at the finish. Medals and shirts are always fantastic. This is a really great race, definitely worth getting up early to register!