This was my first Rock and Roll Half Marathon! I was super excited to meet up with several of my fellow BibRave Pros for this event. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was not looking good with a high humidity and heat index.... nothing the race can do about that though so we made the best of it.

The expo is a good quality for the size. Brooks was the main attraction at the expo. All of the people working the expo were very friendly and helpful. Packet pick-up was quick and painless and my t-shirt fit well but they were allowing people to switch out shirt sizes as needed.

The morning of the race was pretty organized. I do like how they call corrals but there did not seem to be many corrals for the number of people racing-it was packed in there and I was somehow placed in corral 9 but that was way in the back and probably not where I needed to be pace-wise.

The course was okay-it was hot and there is not much shade to be found. (I heard the 10K was along the lakefront and was really nice. ) My favorite parts of the race were definitely in mile 4 where I saw the Wear Blue: Run To Remember signs-it was very emotional and the American flags lined up after the photos of our young heros lost too soon definitely reminded me how grateful I should be for this day and this race. I also loved seeing my BibRave Cheer Team in mile 6 -def gave me a boost of energy.

SIS energy gels were on course, which was great because that was what I was training for--due to the heat I would have loved to see more than one SIS stop on the course. I did enjoy the sponges and water sprinklers along the way--it was soooo hot!

I do enjoy my finisher's medal from the race-VERY Chicago. I stayed around long enough to see my teammates finish and then headed back to the hotel because the humidity was almost too much. This race will probably be overshadowed by the weather for most, but I will remember the great energy from volunteers! Thanks, RnR Chicago!

This was my first Rock and Roll Half Marathon! I was super excited to meet up with several of my fellow BibRave Pros for this event. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was not looking good with a high humidity and heat index.... nothing the race can do about that though so we made the best of it.

The expo is a good quality for the size. Brooks was the main attraction at the expo. All of the people working the expo were very friendly and helpful. Packet pick-up was quick and painless and my t-shirt fit well but they were allowing people to switch out shirt sizes as needed.

The morning of the race was pretty organized. I do like how they call corrals but there did not seem to be many corrals for the number of people racing-it was packed in there and I was somehow placed in corral 9 but that was way in the back and probably not where I needed to be pace-wise.

The course was okay-it was hot and there is not much shade to be found. (I heard the 10K was along the lakefront and was really nice. ) My favorite parts of the race were definitely in mile 4 where I saw the Wear Blue: Run To Remember signs-it was very emotional and the American flags lined up after the photos of our young heros lost too soon definitely reminded me how grateful I should be for this day and this race. I also loved seeing my BibRave Cheer Team in mile 6 -def gave me a boost of energy.

SIS energy gels were on course, which was great because that was what I was training for--due to the heat I would have loved to see more than one SIS stop on the course. I did enjoy the sponges and water sprinklers along the way--it was soooo hot!

I do enjoy my finisher's medal from the race-VERY Chicago. I stayed around long enough to see my teammates finish and then headed back to the hotel because the humidity was almost too much. This race will probably be overshadowed by the weather for most, but I will remember the great energy from volunteers! Thanks, RnR Chicago!

This was my first Indy Women’s Half and I attended with around 100 women from my Moms Run This Town Chapter!
First, I have to say the Race Management was top notch. They were great with communication and organization. They welcomed us with open arms.

Pros: The start line is organized. The medical on course (including medical on bikes) was amazing. The finish line was great with a pancake village, bottomless mimosas and beer. The medals are gorgeous.

Cons: the course itself is not scenic. Parts of the asphalt are riddled with potholes you have to watch your step. That was my really most people’s only disappointment. I knew to expect it so it did not effect my personal experience.

Overall, the value for the early bird registration was amazing.

This is a great relay experience for new or experienced runners. Relay members get great swag just as the half and full marathoners do. I have run KDF multiple times this year was my first relay and we had a blast. We had cheering stations going on at each relay leg exchange. It was awesome to watch everyone come through and cheer on your teammates. Be prepared/have a plan as a team on how to get back to the relay reunite tent so that your team can run in together. It is the icing on the cake. If you are not sure about running the mini or marathon distance, this is a great way to come out and experience it without committing to the distance (or a great way to inspire you to sign up for that distance!).

2019 was my second year in row to run the Pistol Ultra. As last year, the quality of the race management/race director show through in all of the details from the swag to the aid stations. All details seem to be thought out. I ran the 50 miler this year. It starts at 8 pm so we ran through the night; the course is well lit, I did not need my head lamp or Noxgear vest. The aid stations had warm broth, bacon, doughnuts, any type of snack, gels, hydration you needed. I cannot say enough about the course or the volunteers-they are amazing! I highly recommend this race to someone thinking about their first ultra distance.