The race shirt (Nike running) and race giveaway are pretty great. I wear the shirt a lot. In previous years we got a stadium/picnic blanket, which was great too. The medal is dinky, but with some many runners I'd assume that is to keep costs down.

Never had an issue with parking, but my wife usually drops me off. It will get very congested leading up to the race. Soldier Field isn't the most accessible place regarding public transit, but that would probably be preferred over the anxiousness of sitting in traffic & trying to park and make it to the race on time.

Not much in terms of scenery - you don't get special access to downtown Chicago routes. It's basically a 5 mile out, 5 mile in using Lake Shore Drive and the Lakefront Trail. But the coolness factor that is seeing yourself on the jumbo-tron as you sprint down Soldier Field is pretty great.

This also basically kicks off the long distance races in Chicago, so it's very popular. (I'd say that the Shamrock Shuffle officially kicks off the Chicago race season.)

Great starter race if you've never ran a race before to understand corrals, running with groups of people, how to wear a bib, race/running etiquette, all that beginner stuff. But there are so many people involved, unless you're elite & can be at the very front of the pack, you don't have a chance. Lots of walkers get to the front of the lines. Lots of desk jockeys preening in front of their peers; (you don't need to wear a water belt for a 5k).

Also, if you're looking to change jobs, you get a sense of who the fun companies are. Lots of companies will go all out with food & drink, whereas others are just happy to get out of the office & go for a run.

I ran this race several years ago and then ran the Soldier Field 10 right after. It helped me to understand some of the dynamics at play during the race and take some of the edge off of the big race.

It's January in Chicago off of Lake Michigan. This is a cold, windy race that is essentially all Lakefront Trail. In 2014, there was snow the night before which made the race even harder to run through. This is a bragging rights race where you get to say, "I ran at -10 windchill and I deserve this beer".

The organizers themselves are well set up. I never felt a need or want for an aid station. And I'm never disappointed with what is available to me after I cross the finish line. Also, don't expect too many spectators to cheer you on - only the diehards.

The race begins off of Montrose Harbor. I've never had issues parking here. In 2014 it was bitterly cold, so waiting around for the start was tough - but you don't sign up for this race because it's just beautiful out.

I'm not one to sign up for a race based on the swag/medal. The shirt is okay, not great. The medal is unique; in 2013 it was a mini cowbell and in 2014 it was a bottle opener.