I absolutely loved this race. I think if you're a triathlete (or wannabe!) in Chicago, this is a MUST do. The swim and bike portion of this race give you the chance to do something that you can't do during any training or other race. Swimming in Monroe Harbor is incredible; your support crew can literally walk with you along the harbor and cheer you on directly. It was a little choppy race day, but still super fun. Biking on Lake Shore Drive and lower Wacker is so. cool. I usually hate the bike portion of triathlon, but was smiling during the whole 25 miles. It flew by. The run is on the lakefront path, like a lot of local races are, but having it as an out and back means you get a bunch of support from your fellow athletes. From expo to post race, this race is amazing.

This race is in the Chicago suburbs, so it was a little tough logistics wise and there wasn't a lot of communication leading up to it. We hit about a mile or two of backed up traffic trying to get to parking. We ended up following the lead of people who knew the area a bit better than we did and took an alternate route to the same parking area that sped things up; not sure why the race officials didn't split it up to direct people that way as well to help with the congestion.

Packet pick-up was either in the suburbs the day before or at the race site race morning, so I opted for the latter. Super quick pick-up with no issues. Sprint people (the race I opted for) all had one colored cap, which was kind of a bummer because there was no way to distinguish competition in the water. It was also a self-seeded swim start, which people always have a hard time with (myself included!) so the water was a bit congested. The bike was TOUGH for somebody who isn't used to hills. The challenge was fun looking back on it, but in the moment I hated it. The run was beautiful, though; a full loop around the lake.

Overall, it was a fun race. I just highlighted the non-great parts, but other than those few things, it was well-run and in a beautiful location. For somebody needing a bit of hills in their schedule, this is a great option.

This was my first marathon, so I may be a bit biased, but this is an incredible race. There is no better way to see Chicago than on foot. And I'm not even saying this because the race went well for me; I got injured and had to walk half of it! But there is so much support on the sidelines and the different neighborhoods are so fun that it's a great experience for every athlete. The expo was the best I've ever been to, the shirt may be my favorite of the ones in my collection, and the post-race experience was so energetic. I have sworn off marathons for my own reason, but the back of my mind keeps thinking that I may return to Chicago one day.

I did the half marathon the year after I did the 10k. Many things are similar, but I believe that it's set to change in 2017. However, the post race was my favorite part still, and I hope that doesn't change! They give out flowers because it's the spring half, the course is on the lakefront (duh; it's a Chicago race) with those classic gorgeous views, and the breakfast is huge! The half marathon goes first and the course is straightforward (though I think it will also slightly change in 2017). Super flat and an out and back. Coming back to do it in 2018, so we'll see how the new course is!

The post-race party makes this whole race worthwhile! I believe that it's set to change in 2017, but it used to be in the little park in between all of the condos right off of Randolph. They give out flowers because it's the spring half, the course is on the lakefront (duh; it's a Chicago race) with those classic gorgeous views, and the breakfast is huge!

The 10k starts after the half marathon and the course is straightforward (though I think it will also slightly change in 2017). A couple of aid stations just when you need them, super flat, and an out and back layout. The race shirt is a bright color and actually cute enough to want to wear. I want to do this race every year because it's the perfect kick start to the racing season!