I had originally signed up for the 8K. However, I know it is always cold in November so when I picked up my bib on Sunday (was in and out in 10 minutes), I changed it to run the 5K. I did not read the information carefully because later on that week I found out that there was race day packet pickup. That is what I get for not reading carefully the race information.

One thing I dislike about racing in Lincoln Park is the parking. I knew it would be a hassle so I made sure to get there early to get a spot. Indeed I did (5 minutes from the start) but I had to wait about 2 hours in my car. Not sure if it was worth it. I left my car at 8:50 to use the port-a-potties and run the race.

There were 2 waves in this race. I did not plan it carefully because I missed the 1st wave. By the time I made it to the race and was done using the port-a-potties, people were lining up for the 2nd wave which began at 9:30. I was annoyed (mainly at myself) because I could have been in the 1st wave if I had left earlier.

Finally it was time to run and it was a total mess. The path was narrow and there were so many people on it. There were lots of walkers (which is fine) but I wished they would have moved over to the right. I had no time goal for this race but just to have fun. I tried. I was happy with the weather because it did warm up. It was CROWDED. I am not a fast runner at all and found myself weaving around to pass the runners.

The turnaround was a little before Irving Park Road. I don’t remember at what point the 5k and 8K runners split up but eventually we were reunited. Yeah, this merging area was suitable.

By now my goal was just to get to the finish line. And that is exactly what I did. I was happy to be done and collect my medal. But before I could do that, I had to get through a gridlock of people also trying to collect their medal.

I didn’t stay afterwards to enjoy the festivities but it looked like people were having a good time after the race. Me? I just wanted to get out of there. I still had to walk about 1/4 mile to my car. The race didn't start and end at the same location.

Overall, not a big fan of the race. The path was too narrow for the number of people running. I am not planning to run this race again. I prefer running races downtown because for me it is easier to get to it.

This was my first marathon in 2006. To date I've run it 4 more times. It is a race that everyone has to do.

The expo is huge with lots of vendors. You will easily spend hours there - I know I did! You can buy anything you need or want for the race. There you will see many other running friends and/or make new friends.

The race is well organized. There are several corrals and you get assigned one depending on your estimated finish time.

The course takes you through almost 30 different neighborhoods in Chicago. The crowd support is wonderful and supportive. There are plenty of water stations. The neighbors also have their own unofficial stations with water, oranges, candy, pretzels, etc.

Maybe I am biased because I live here but I think it is the best marathon. I've also run the Hartford Marathon, the RnR New Orleans Marathon, and the Walt Disney World Marathon and they do not compare to the Chicago Marathon.

I had originally signed up for the half marathon. However, with the unusually high temperatures in Chicago, I decided instead to run the 5K. After my run on Saturday morning, I went to Soldier Field to pick up my packet. Parking was a deal for $5!

Bib pickup and switching over to the 5K was fast and easy. There wasn't much in the goodie bag which was a disappointment. I thought it was a good size expo with many vendors but did not buy anything.

I woke up early on Sunday morning to get ready and eat something. Then I drove to the race location. I got lucky and found parking right away. However, I was there very early so I still had to wait. The half marathon began at 7 am and the 5K at 7:45am.

The half marathoners were off. Then I had to wait again. By this point I was hungry. It was also warm. At least now there were no lines at the port-a-potties but they were also SMELLY!

Finally it was time to run. It was nice to run in the shade. Miles 1 and 2 went by fast. There was a water/gatorade station a bit before mile 2. I drank some Gatorade and ran again. I was surprised there was a station so late into the race. I didn’t care too much for me because I was running a shorter race. The half marathoners still had a long way to go and shouldn’t have had to wait till mile 2 for water and Gatorade.

Overall, I am very pleased with the race. Even though it was along the lakefront, it was in a different part of the lakefront which was nice. I like the red color of the shirts. I enjoyed seeing the half marathoners take off but there was too much time in between the two races. I think the 5k race should have started 15-20 minutes after the half marathon.

This race is always lots of run! It is inexpensive ($30 plus you have $5 if you are a CARA Member). It is about 30 minutes west of Chicago so you don't have to deal with parking and/or getting downtown for a race.

What I love most is the distance. It is definitely more manageable than a 5k or 5 miler. It isn't a flat course but has some uphills and downhills to add variety when you run on flat ground. The volunteers are wonderful and supportive.

I've been doing this race since 2013 and plan to do it every year