This was kind of a spurt of the moment race sign up for me and a friend. We searched one day for a 5k in the area and decided on this one.

The race runs through some interesting terrain in Shelby Township, MI but it is a good route. The problem we encountered was that of ice on the path. There has been some recent snow in Michigan (surprise surprise) and this clearing of the snow and melting / re-freezing has caused ice on the path. That made for some interesting surprises on the course due to sharp corners and tight quarters with other runners. Overall, it was a great race and I would definitely do it again in the future.

The shirt and other swag at the packet pickup before the race was excellent! There were a few vendors and it helped to get there early so putting the stuff back into my car was possible.

Parking is directly on-site or across the parking lot (if it is full already).

The race also includes a raffle for many donated items (golf certificates, gift certificates to restaurants, etc).

The race benefits many great causes, one of which being for animal health and betterment.

Check out this race if you live in the metro Detroit area of Michigan or anywhere nearby!

This race, if you know Shanty Creek or Short's Brewing, is exactly as it sounds, a race from Shanty Creek down the hill to Short's Brewing Company.

I've ran this race in the past and have enjoyed it each time.

The 10k course comes down a huge hill from the resort and then loops through one of the area parks then through the downtown Bellaire area, only to loop through another section of downtown and finishing up on bike/walking path before getting to the finish line. The finish line for the 5k and 10k is at the same spot and the 10k runners actually cross by the finish line before they enter the second half of their race.

It seems entirely logical that I was able to get a PR on this course, because the first 2.5k of the race is all downhill from the resort.

It is a fun race and afterwards you get a discounted / free beer at Short's! They have prizes for top place runners in various age groups and of both genders. They hold the placing and information after the race inside of Short's Brewpub where the results are announced.

If you're into beer and running, I highly recommend this race in Northern Michigan!

This race was excellent! The course was fantastic and was well maintained. It can be hard to keep a course maintained in Chicago, especially in the winter months!

The parking for the race is nearby but within a decent distance from where the race starts.

Packet pickup was fairly easy and happened at a nearby running shop the day before the race.

Prior to the race, there were plenty of fun things going on in the race area and lots of photo opportunities as well as places to put coats and such.

The race course runs near the lake and around the immediate area on a closed course. Watch out for ice as it is always possible depending on the recent weather in Chicago!

There are plenty of stations and areas to get assistance as needed along the course!

After the race, there is plenty of areas to get warm by some fire pits as well as more photo opportunities.

When we ran the race in 2016, they offered some free Kahlua drinks with coffee and also White Claw was there sponsoring some free seltzer samples.

Check out the race if you're in the Chicago area during December and enjoy some good fun!