This was a FUN, well-planned race in the city of San Diego. The crowds were supportive, the course was tough, but it was definitely a great value and a great time.

Pros
- The expo was awesome. It was really easy to look up my bib number, swap my tshirt size, and then go and mingle around the vendors. So many samples and freebies, I didn't even know what to do with it!
- Swag. For $100 less than the price of the Chicago Marathon, I got a long sleeve shirt, a race tshirt, an awesome medal, AND a finishers jacket. Holy moly. They are all made of good quality (Brooks) material too. And a free concert! The value for the registration fee is awesome.
- Start corrals seemed well placed. Most of the people I started with (with the exception of a few) had a similar pace as me. I was up towards the front so I can't speak towards the later corrals, but I know some people were frustrated with having to start at the same time as the half marathoners.
- The cheering on the course was fabulous! I was a lone soul for a lot of the race, and people we so kind to cheer me on and single me out. It really helped when I was struggling through some of the miles.
- The blue mile commemorated soldiers who have lost their life fighting for our country. This was really special and put everything in perspective for me.

Cons
- Parking at the expo was expensive and a bit of a nightmare. I think they could organize this a bit better next time around or provide off site parking and shuttles.
- There definitely needs to be more port o potties at the start line. I had to wait 25 minutes to use a bathroom and sprinted to my corral to make the start time afterwards.
- The course itself is not very scenic. A lot of the time is spent running through neighborhoods and by houses that all look the same.
- THAT HILL. On mile 22-23 we had to trudge up 163 for what felt like forever. Having a hill this steep at that point in the race is just mean. Everyone was struggling. It made the finish that much sweeter.
- There was a huge bottleneck at the finish line. It took forever to get through the crowds and over to the finish festival. Runners were mingling with family right at the finish and it was difficult to navigate.

A great race to celebrate America and veterans over Memorial Day. Running into Soldier Field and getting a medal from a member of the US armed forces is the best part!

PROS
- Packet pickup was relatively straightforward and several options were given based on timing and location at different Fleet Feet stores.
- The corrals weren't overcrowded and were fairly organized. I felt like I was running a similar pace as most people in my corral.
- The course itself is relatively flat and there were aid stations at every 2 miles approximately.
- Bag check was very organized and the whole race set up was well spread out - it didn't take too long to get anywhere.
- The coolest part is getting your medal at the end from a member of the armed forces - how awesome is this!!! It was a great reminder that although I had just worked my butt off running 10 miles, it pales in comparison to what these people do. How humbling.

CONS
- Running into Solider Field was awesome, however, the setup for the Beyonce concertn definitely took away from it a bit. Also, once we finished, lingering around was highly discouraged! It would have been nice to be able to take in the sites and get a few pictures but a.) there were barely any photographers and b.) security was hustling people through. This was a bit disappointing
- For $90, I wish there was a bit more swag then just a t-shirt and medal. Maybe offer some samples or coupons at packet pick up at least?
- At the aid station around mile 6.5, they were playing the slowest. music. ever. Like downright depressing. I was a bit confused why they would play it, but after about 30 seconds someone realized it and changed the song to something more upbeat.

This race is a fun event to do with coworkers. I don't suggest racing this for a competitive time; there's simply too many people and no start corrals. However, layout is great for all the companies to have their own pre and post party spot!

PROS
- No packet pickup necessary! Our team captain picked up our bibs so it was nice to avoid that time-consuming step.
- We were able to clearly find our tent, and we never felt too overcrowded.
- The race started in a timely manner which was good. I am a faster runner so I was able to start in the preferred corral, which allowed me to avoid the crowds. That being said, I felt bad that by the time I finished, some people hadn't even started!
- The t-shirt pickup was straightforward and they seemed to have most sizes when I went after the race.

CONS
- $50 is a bit expensive for a 3.5 mile race where you don't get more than a tshirt, banana, and water bottle in total. Mabye offer a medal or reward next year to encourage more participation.
- When we were in the tunnels, I saw one runner very blatantly cross over the median and cut the course. Why would you even bother?! But some additional race security to avoid this would be nice.
- Speaking of the tunnels, the course is HOT. Lower Wacker is not scenic, and everyone was dripping sweat from the dry, stale air.
- We did our catering through JPMC, and the caterer was very late. We didn't get our food until about 8 PM, and it was cold when it arrived. They should have had a better process for this. Hungry runners are not friendly!

This race (formerly the Arbor Day 10K) celebrates Earth Day and the coming of spring, and is held annually at the beautiful Morton Arboretum in Lisle. It's a smaller race that is more family oriented, but still challenging!

PROS
- Packet pickup is relatively straightforward (at Dick Pond) and easy. Parking at the Morton Arboretum was plentiful and well directed.
- The course is beautiful! There's a short loop and then you run a longer loop farther out. It takes you through one whole side of the Arboretum. While you're in a forest, the race is run on paved roads which are wide.
- Post race refreshments were plentiful. Bagels, bananas, the usual! They also had a pancake breakfast afterwards if I can recall correctly.
- The awards are pretty cool! It's a medal made out of wood. And you get a Dick Pond gift card! Given the affordable price of the race, this was more than I expected.

CONS
- I think it would be cool if everyone got a medal for finishing. When I ran the race, only overall and age group award winners got the swag.
- The course is beautiful but beware - it's tough! Lot's of rolling hills to look out for.
- There weren't very many aid or bathroom stations along the course. The race is small, but it would have been nice to see a few more options laid out along the road.
- The tshirts were quite an ugly shade of green and yellow. I hope they update the design in the coming years!

For this being an inaugural race, I don't think it could have gone more smoothly. Looking forward to see how they will plan out next year's event! I will definitely be back.

PROS
- Registration was very cheap - there was options for $1, $5, and $10 spots if you got them quick enough! If you didn't, the race was still very reasonably priced.
- Plenty of parking in the city during the race morning
- The race itself was clearly marked and had plenty of security throughout! Aid stations posted at every mile.
- Finishing in the North Central College stadium was pretty cool!
- Post race refreshments were plentiful.
- LOVED the medals!!! Please keep the crowns for next year.

CONS
- For being a 5K course, it seemed like there was at least 1-2 substantial hills at every mile. Killer!
- There could definitely be more organized packet pickup. It was a bit unclear how it worked, and they didn't ask for identification. It would have been nice to get some additional coupons or goodies too! Maybe I'm just greedy :)
- For the 5K start, there was a lot of walkers up towards the front, creating a bottleneck for those who wanted to run quickly.
- Announcing the overall and age group winners was a bit of a cluster, there was no clear direction and they seemed to be having technical issues. The medals were great though!