Formerly the Live Grit Lakefront 10 Miler, now with new sponsorship from Wintrust, this was the first race I ever ran that was longer than a 5k, and I had no idea how spoiled it would make me for good race organization. The race is incredibly well-organized and supported, especially given that it's only about 1200 people and usually takes place in what is still fairly chilly weather in Chicago. Packet pickup is at local running stores in both the city and suburbs, and there's race day pickup as well. The shirt from 2016 was a fluorescent orange half zip with reflective writing. I don't wear it often but it'll keep you seen on those dark winter runs! For transportation, there is SOME city and street parking nearby, but your best bet is to take public transit and walk to the start from the bus or train drop off unless you plan to get there far earlier than otherwise necessary. In a feat of brilliance, they do let you check a real bag at gear check instead of just a tiny plastic one, which is great when you need room to store a winter coat in there. Beer and hot coffee, in addition to a standard basic food and snack spread, helps with the warming too.

As for the race itself, it's a great start to CARA's (Chicago Area Runner's Association) circuit races for the season, and is a quick out and back that runs mostly along the lakefront path out of Montrose Beach, so you're guaranteed a pretty view. You run up and over Cricket Hill - which is about as intimidating as it sounds but is all we have to work with for elevation gains in the city - twice, once a couple miles in and the other right near the finish. The hill is just enough to make you swear a little, but short enough to power through. There aren't too many ten mile races, and it's a fun distance to race. Add in the organization and convenience, and I'll certainly be doing it again in 2017.