I'm not even sure where to start with this race because it was such a great fun day. I didn't pick up my packet early because I live an hour and a half early. But the expo was easy to navigate and was open early Saturday morning. I got my bib and shirt in literally a few minutes. The shirt is a medium blue tech shirt with a great design. I can't wait to wear it.

The start was easy. Their pacers were well marked and taking off on the brick street was exhilarating after watching it in tv for years. The course was beautiful. Almost the entire route was rolling. It was challenging without being impossible. The Bradley Hills were by far the most challenging. The course wound through the city, into lushly landscaped neighborhoods and offered beautiful scenery.

Growing up in the mid-Michigan area I always knew The Crim was a huge deal. The community support to watch the runners was more than I imagined. There were people cheering us on everywhere. It kept me inspired and pushed me to a better time than I ever thought possible.

For an August race the weather was cool and perfect. Regardless, there were drink stations every half mile to three-quarters of a mile. If it had been hot and miserable they would have been essential.

This race was my favorite so far and I cannot wait to do it again next year.

My sister has been trying to convince me to do this 10K for years. I decide this year was the year. I had my packet sent to my house since I'm from Michigan. The tech shirt that matched my Big 10 university of my choice is one of my favorites. It's high quality but does run a little smaller than I thought. I sized up two sizes from my normal.

The course was beautiful and fun to run. We ran past the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium and along the shore. The elevation was pretty minimal.

My problem was, the day was so hot. It was oppressngly miserable. Before they sent us off the race management said they had set up more water stations. In a 10K race there were 3 water stations. With it being that hot there weren't nearly enough stations. People were passing out left and right. People were getting sick. It's July in Chicago, I would have thought they would have thought of less experienced runners.

The medal we got at the end was great! It was huge and had a coin that we could put from our favorite university in it. The after party was great as well. There was so much to do. The sponsor tents were fun, the university tents were busy and the band was great.

I would probably do the race again but I won't be running back to it again meet year.