A well-oiled race out in the Chicago suburbs in the fall - perfect if you aren't quite ready to end your running season after the Chicago marathon!

PROS
- The overall layout of the pre and post race activities seemed to make a lot of sense. Having the bag pick up and drop off right by the start line (under the town hall parking garage) made it really easy, and there was practically no lines at all.
- Parking before the race was easy and free. Plenty of spots around the downtown area if you got down at the right time. Road closures didn't occur too early or too late.
- Security on the course was excellent. Plenty of police officers and the mile markers and course outline was clearly marked.
- The expo was great! Parking at Edward was easy, and there was plenty of vendors with little goodies, raffles, sales, and giveaways which was nice.

CONS
- The course is challenging - don't know if that's necessarily a con or not but there were SO many hills. Just when you thought you got over one, you hit another. Also, a lot of the race takes place in neighborhoods - it would be nice to be on some wider, more scenic roads for a few miles (running through downtown is cool though!).
- It was freezing pre race. Maybe offer some heat lamps or something but everyone was huddled up near buildings until the last possible minute, creating a bit of chaos (especially with the port o potties).

The Chicago Marathon is how every marathon should be facilitated.

PROS
- Extremely well run expo. Plenty of space for all the vendors, bag pick up and t shirt swap were well organized. Parking is a little far but that's always the case at McCormick.
- Security on race day is well run. Given the side of Grant Park, everything is well marked and organized smoothly
- Start corrals seemed to be well thought out, most of the people I was running with had a similar pace
- The course itself is flat and fast. Weather was beautiful and crowds were amazing! The course takes you through the best parts of Chicago.
- Post race flow was smooth. It takes a while to get out of the finishing gates but everything is well organized, and you are placed right by the bag pick up once you're out

CONS
- Post race family area can get crowded. Cell service was poor so if you don't have a meet up spot planned, it might be difficult to reconnect with friends and family!

Overall a great race that highlights the great parts of Chicago. Would highly recommend it for first time marathoners.

This is a small yet fairly competitive trail race held annually in Wheaton by Dick Pond Athletics at the Danada Forest Preserve! There's an 8 mile and a 5K option. Usually a few hundred people register overall and there's a great family and community turnout (not to mention, hot chocolate and brownies at the finish line).

PROS
- The race trail is beautiful! It takes you through the forest preserve and the trails are clearly marked.
- Given the smaller nature of the race, the swag you get is pretty good (I've gotten a jacket and a pullover) and overall registration is inexpensive. Packet pickup is a breeze.
- Race day parking is pretty simple, and there was plenty of port o potties to go around.
- Post race, there is HOT CHOCOLATE AND BROWNIES! Yes, you heard it. And there's other small vendors passing out snacks (whole foods gave our some granola bars).

CONS
- For those who finished later in the races, apparently they ran out of hot chocolate and treats for some people. This might be due to some families and spectators indulging.
- The awards ceremony was pretty much non existent and a bit of a cluster trying to get the correct results.

The Disneyland half marathon is a great race if you're new to mid-distance running or want to have a fun, casual race weekend with friends.

PROS
- The expo was well run and well organized. Get there early or else the best apparel will sell out quickly!
- The course takes you through the park (which is awesome) as the sun rises. The characters are out in full force which is really cool! It also takes you through the Angels baseball stadium which was awesome.
- Cheering crowds throughout the course were well-spaced and kept motivation high.
- Post race refreshments moved very quickly and bag pickup was fast and efficient.

CONS
- Start corrals. Disney messed up my verification time (I submitted my time verification for a 15 mile race and they thought it was my half marathon time) and did not fix it. Therefore, I was in a corral very far from the back. When the race started, there was A LOT of walkers which lead to me dip, dodging, and weaving the crowds for the first three miles.
- Crowds. The first part of the race is in the park, and people are constantly stopping for photos and bathrooms. This can be unsafe if you're trying to run and have to constantly be avoiding people! The crowds seemed to thin quite a bit once we exited the park.
- Price. Overall, the price for the half is VERY expensive and you don't get park access. I would hope that in the future they would include park access or at least partial access (or a post race party! There wasn't much of one).