This was my first marathon and I'm soooo happy I chose Chicago! Incredible coordination by the event staff, awesome expo, mind-blowing crowd support, super flat and fast, aid stations everywhere, fun fun fun! Plus the weather was perfect! My only complaint is that the race t-shirt was pretty basic and kind of boring. Run this race!

This race takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Queen City. Only problem is those areas are VERY hilly! Would not recommend this as a first half marathon because of the hills, but otherwise it's a great race. It was well organized with sufficient aid stations. There was a good number of runners-I never felt crowded and I never felt alone. Nice support from spectators along the course. Good time of year to run in the Carolinas.

This is a fantastic race that takes you through most of the city's historic landmarks and neighborhoods. Super easy to access the start from the metro and also to get home from the finish. The finish line is in the Grand Place so you can easily head around the corner for some frites, waffles, beer or chocolate to celebrate your finish. Mostly flat with a few hills. Not a ton of spectators, but a good crowd waiting for you at the finish line. Expo was pretty minimal, but well organized. Would recommend as a first half marathon.