Latest reviews by Shannon

(2015)
"Soldier Field 10 mile, Still my favorite race! "
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I will always make this race a priority and a must run each year. This year, we got very lucky with the weather and it was a beautiful day. This race is extremely well organized and the thought process behind the beginning ceremony is moving and inspiring.

My only concerns is that they add more lights in the first tunnel and I liked the set up last year where the medals were given once you left the field. It made the finish line a little hectic once you finished. The post race atmosphere is fun and worth sticking around to partake in.

It's exciting to see how many more people are running this race each year and you cannot beat finishing on the 50 yard line. Looking forward to it next year!

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(2015)
"Great winter racing weather!"
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I was a little hesitant for signing up to run a half marathon in January in Chicago but lucked out on race day. The weather was perfect, 40's and sunshine with just a little wind. I heard from the 2014 race that it had awful weather conditions.

Having the start at Solider Field is very convenient and utilizing the United Club inside was well worth it. It was warm plenty of room to stretch, socialize, and use regular bathrooms. My only concern was the start of the race. They should have had the start away from the entrance, as it was difficult to get into the start corrals. There was a group of us who just waited outside of the barricades until the start to try to jump in at the 9 min mile pace group. The course route was similar to previous races that run south on the path. The course has a great view coming back North of the city. The Aid stations were marked and very easy to get in and out of.

Overall, this was a nice race, easy to get to and from, course was easily marked and straight forward to follow. Being that it was a smaller race, I felt that the United club was packed but not too difficult to get around. The gear check line after the race was a bit long but that was to be expected. I would definitely consider running this race again next year, weather permitting. Thanks!

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(2014)
"Women's Half Marathon"
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Overall, I enjoyed my race experience. The morning was a little humid to start with but everyone was in a happy mood at the race from the volunteers to workers to spectators and of course the runners. I started in the A corral and found the beginning of the course to be easily marked and quiet. Running onto Michigan ave was a great thrill as most people will never be able to do that without getting hit by a car. I felt good along that route and into the lake front path. It did start to get a little warmer and I was pretty much about soaked in sweat when I got to the museums, which is the picture shown. I continued to feel good until about mile 7, that's when the strained hamstring that I injured a few days prior to the race began to give me trouble. However, I continued to truck a long. There was a lot of support along the course and the aid stations were fully stocked. I would recommend more misting stations along the course as it did get pretty hot. I ended up having to run/walk miles 10-13.1. The finish was great, you went under the tunnel and up a slight incline and then turned onto a long straight away to finish. Tons of people along the finish. I was lucky to have a friend/co-worker run along the final stretch before the finish. After the race, I quickly said thank you to Lisa Zimmer and headed to the medical tent for some ice. Cold towels and medals were appreciated at the end.

I have run this race before from it's start as a 5k/10k. I definitely enjoy having the half marathon option. I was surprised with the amount of guys who actually did run with all the women. This race was a success from a employee stand point as well as a runner stand point. I wish I would have been completely healthy for the race but glad that I finished. I'll be looking forward to doing it again next year.

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