This is a great post Chicago Marathon race that almost identically follows the same course. The familiarity is actually a nice surprise because of the 15K distance being covered instead of the 42K. If you get good placement near the front, the course is actually pretty spread out for runners around a 7-8min/mile pace. The year I ran was great cool fall weather but an emergency reroute posed a challenged for a course reroute which had little effect on the run. The swag was great and expo to match.

For this year, I had organized 15 co-workers to participate in the race which was a major group organization effort to show the company how lame they were in doing such things. I got a big pat on the shoulder naturally but no significant raise. Oh well.

The CHOCOLATE however, which I do not eat, was nauseating at the end. Finishing meant that for an hour, that awful odor would plague my brain until I left Grant Park. Having said that, the spread available to runners was bar none. The local chocolate manufacturers were quite gracious in providing the organizers with ample quantities for one to bury their stress, troubles, disappointment, all in one scoop of thick dark chocolate. I on the other hand, just wanted a plain banana which was hard to find not pre-covered with that gooey stuff.

Great race, would recommend it to anyone after the marathon or just interested in a less than Half Marathon distance. Big crows, great cheering spectators and usually beautiful weather.

This is a great post Marathon race. I had done this back in 2009 in its 3rd year in Pilsen. After a couple of years of seeing the crazy runners going by my building each time, I eventually convinced myself to do the run. It wasn't too big, very local, simple route through Pilsen, UIC, Maxwell and University Village for a quick but winding course. The amount of turns would make you dizzy.

One advantage for fast runners are the prizes given in colorful skulls which are absolutely COOL. Wish I could grab one of those like the skinny guys that can run fast. haha

Would recommend this race to anyone beginning or fast. its actually a great family event that promotes and allows strollers and children to run as well. The Alderman is very supportive of the race. The scenery does give you a rare glimpse into the artwork that has now become the staple of culture for Pilsen. So keep your eyes open and soak in a bit of Mexican culture as you burn some early morning calories in this 5K.

This race can truly be called "Local" being just 150+/- miles away from Chicago and an opportunity to even drive there in the morning and be back home for lunch right afterwards. Can't beat that.

The race is what you would expect from a small town. U of I is a college town with a neighborhood surrounding it. One should not be surprised by the pijama wearing local getting his newspaper and wondering why all of those people are doing on my street. This is not a race for big fanfare, bands, swanky gear or even an elaborate expo. Come to race because is close, inexpensive and FLAT. I have run the race twice and its success had more to do with my training and nothing else. I did enjoy finishing inside the Stadium............better than our neighbor to the North in Wisconsin that makes you run around and exit the arena as fast as you enter. U of I's Memorial Stadium is a great joy for completing a solid good race.

Go ILLINI.