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!

I love Muddy Monk races!

Due to some issues with permits, the location was somewhat last-minute, but ended up being at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, which is 10 minutes from my house, but I had never been there. I parked in one of the lots across the street, which we were told were okay to park in. (They weren't. But I ended up finishing the race and moving my car before it was an issue.) If you had spectators who wished to watch you run, they were out of luck, since there was nowhere to park.

The course was a simple out-and-back on the limestone path. A HUGE hill at the very end before the finish. Not too muddy, and not really all that difficult as far as trail running is concerned.

The big attraction of the race is the monk - aka the race director in a monk costume. If you beat him, you get a special prize (this year it was a can koozy). All participants get a (cotton, cute design) shirt and finishers get a glass (this year it was a glass beer mug, and I am using it right now, in fact).

Post-race party is pretty great. Tons of snacks, as well as good craft beer. Art puts on great races, and I highly recommend them!

Pretty basic, no-frills race. Out-and-back on the LFT, which was crowded with other traffic, since it's the LFT. I guess I just expected to get more for my money. The tech shirt is okay, the medal is cheap with a sticker (And do we really need a medal for a 10K? Is that where we are, America?), and there was no food at the end. Yes, there was a pierogi food truck, but you did have to pay for your goodies. I feel like a race that advertises itself as having Polish music and pierogis would provide both as amenities.

Want to ruin your Ragnar experience forever? Do this race. You won't want to do any of the others!

Journey 200 miles from Miami to Key West. Finish on the white sandy beach. Get to see all of the Keys as you drive down A1A. One of your runners will even get to run on the famous Seven Mile Bridge!

The course is well-marked, and even when running alongside a canal where alligators live, I always felt safe. The volunteers are wonderful, and the race itself is very well-organized. The major exchanges have all of the amenities you would expect, complete with indoor toilets and showers. Parking at the exchanges can be a little dicey, however, just because of the limited space on the side of the road as you get closer to Key West.

Some of my tips:
1. However much water you think you will need, double it.
2. Whenever you stop, get more ice for the cooler.
3. A minivan might be a little cramped, but it's easier to navigate than a 15-passenger van.
4. Make sure that your runners overestimate their paces - you'll get an earlier start time, and you might need it. If you're, say, from the Midwest, you won't be used to the heat and humidity, and paces will slow accordingly.
5. Bring water with you on your run, no matter how short the distance.
6. Stay in Key West for a couple of days once you get there. You won't regret it!