One of the good things that have come out of this time of COVID-19 was the discovery of this race even if it was virtual. I haven’t heard of this race before until it was became a virtual option on the calendar due to it being a local race in Chicago that benefitted the Cubs Charities. I am glad that they made it a virtual event which gave me a chance to experience the swag associated with this race and support a worthy cause. Some of the notable takeaways:
- Registration was quick and easy
- The race swag is awesome! Probably, some of the neatest swag that I have ever received for a race. Race participants received a technical shirt, a Cubs theme printed Buff, awesome medal, Cubs themed drawstring bag, and bib.
- The race period was one week which allowed for participants enough time to accommodate for weather, scheduling conflicts, and other factors that could delay running your designated course or treadmill.
- There was no expo or package pickup for the virtual race. Race packets were mailed with enough time to receive. This was essential in this time with delayed mail delivery.
- Finally, the best reason to participate in this race is that a portion of the race registration goes to the Cubs Charities which provides access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk in the Chicago area.

I am not a Cubs fan but I would definitely recommend this virtual race to anyone. I will definitely being doing this race again if offered as a virtual option. I may even look at it as an option for IRL race in 2021.

Definitely meets the advertisement as "America's Toughest Road Marathon.” This was my second year participating in the Half Marathon and I will be participating in it again in 2020.

I am not going to give you false hope that this is a simple up and down course. This is a tough challenge, but it is the tough challenge that you want to have in your life as a running. If you chose this mission, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountainscape.

Also, Roanoke shows up to welcome the running community to its city for the race. It is cool that there is a music festival that occurs the same time which adds to the attraction of this race. The race is well managed and spectators were everywhere (especially in Peakwood). The residents of Peakwood make you want to move to Roanoke. I love them!

One major drawback (in my opinion) was the size of the expo. It is small but that is to be expected given how the close and personal the overall race and surrounding community are. You will hardly notice the size of the expo because you will taken away by the community. T-shirts were made with some type of recycled material in 2019 but better design than 2018.