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Latest reviews by Kristin Shulman
Kristin Shulman recommends this race
(2015)
"Well Done Non-City Half Marathon!"
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I started running in 2013 and have run about a dozen half marathons and this has to be one of my favorites. I am not interested in the huge crowds that the Chicago races draw nor running on the lakefront path dodging bicycles. Mad to the Bone is run on a combination of residential streets and on the Fox River trail - parking is free, easy and close, packet pickup is same day, there is ever changing scenery, plenty of room to pass if a bike/runner or car is in the way, local spectators and a manageable number of runners.
The aid stations were a little far apart given the heat of August but they were a blast to run through. One was a group of young people having a pool party another a group of cowboys & girls. Just fun. Additionally, at one point, there was full cooler of baggies filled with ice. That was amazing.
The post race party was a blast with music, pizza, beer and soda. I now consider this a must do race.
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Kristin Shulman recommends this race
(2015)
"Fun Race! Great After Party!"
Overall
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This was the 2nd year that I have run the Sundowner 5K. What a great 5K! This is an evening race and the past two years have been quite warm. The course is a pretty run through beautiful Pilcher Park in Joliet, IL. This is part of a 3 race series held by the Joliet park district and many people run all three races for additional swag. The route has some uphills and downhills and as the sun is setting the trail, which is a little uneven, needs to be watched carefully. But it really is a pretty run.
My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that parking at the site is very limited. If you get there early enough, you can get parking nearby, otherwise you park at a local Kmart and are shuttled in. I used the shuttles in 2014 and they worked very well. So, as I said, it is only a small complaint.
The after party is outstanding! Hamburgers, hotdogs, lots of beer, cookies, chips and lots of really nice people. Way to go Joliet Park District!!!
Kristin Shulman recommends this race
(2015)
"Fun February Run!"
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The Super Shuffle 5K is put on by the Geneva Park District and coincides with a community super bowl party held the same morning. The registration fee includes a nice quality cotton hoodie with the Super Shuffle logo on it.
Because it is in February, the weather can by wild. In 2014, it was super cold with 10" of new snow on the ground and in 2015, it was run right in the middle of a snow storm. Who knows what future races will bring. Although there are walkers, the running pack is fairly fast -- I guess the weather weeds out some of the back of the packers.
The run is done on a paved path that circles a pretty park. There are one or two hills -- nothing significant -- and, the path is wide enough to accommodate all the runners. There is one water station in the middle (which is plenty) and water is provided at the end. Each participant is also given a participant's medal upon completion.
After the race, each runner is given a beer at the community party and other food is available. All in all the is a great way to start off Super Bowl Sunday.