Over the years I have run many Fleet Feet races and always enjoy them, and this one didn't disappoint. This event is an awesome way to empower women to get out there and run. It began years ago as a 5k/10K and due to it's popularity it has grown into a 13.1 option.
What I like most about the race this year, is that Fleet Feet made it a weekend long event. There was an amazing shakeout run and yoga session the day before the race. This year they brought in pro-athlete Lauren Fleshman and coach Jenny Hadfield. Both, joined the ladies for a shakeout run and mixed and mingled with everyone at the expo throughout the day. They were a true representation of what the event was about, bringing women together to empower and encourage them on their fitness journey. After the run, there was a yoga session offered as well.
The race course was changed at the last minute, but ended up being a course I enjoyed. The first half of the race ran down Michigan Ave, and then down the south end of the lakefront path. It was very warm on race day, but there was plenty of hydration offered. The aid stations were about every 1.5 miles and very well stocked (with both hydration and amazing volunteers). As you crossed the finish line there were cold towels and another awesome round of volunteers catering to every runners need. I really liked how the post race party area was spread out, and set up in a way runners could relax or easily meet up with friends & family. I was able to meet up with the other runners from my run club, immediately following the race.
Even though I really enjoyed race day (and weekend) there were a couple snags.
-Having the race on a holiday weekend, would be a bit better if it would have been on Saturday vs.Sunday.
-Changes to the race course were a bit confusing, considering it was advertised as a race through the downtown area. The final course wasn't released until the last minute and this made it hard for spectators to plan a meeting location.
-The start corrals were way too small. Runners couldn't fit into the assigned corrals as they were all jam packed.
I really did enjoy this race and would definitely recommend it, especially for the ladies.

I really loved this race. I have run this race a few times before and always liked it, and this year was even better. The weather actually cooperated and the temps were perfect.
The packet pick up was held at Fleet Feet and was painless and convenient this year. If you aren't familiar with the Lakeshore east area, it can be a bit tricky to find the race area. The Lakeshore east community has this great park that is surrounded by the residential buildings. It is a bit secluded, but was perfect for this race staging area.
The event is spread out nicely, the gear check was a separate large space that doesn't clog up the runners chute or the post race party. I was able to meet up with other runners from my run club pretty easily, even though there were quiet a few runners. However the corrals were not spaced well and my corral (C) was way to crowded.
This year they sent the corrals out in waves, which made for a nice fluid start. The course itself is very flat and not too challenging. You run along the lakefront from Randolph down to 47th and back. If you routinely run the lakefront path this course could be a bit boring, but if you are not used to running the south end of the lake, it can be a nice change of scenery. The course was well stocked with many water stations, which had a supply of water and Gatorade. I even saw Cliff gel packs being handed out in a few locations.
The post race party was great. There was a nice breakfast buffet for runners which is definitely better than the usual post race banana and bagel. The pick up lines for gear check weren't too bad and you could hang out in the park with your friends and family very comfortably.
Definitely a race I would recommend to other runners as I will be back next year. It is a flat fast course, so if you are looking for a Spring half and want to PR, you should add this to your list.

If you have run a ton of lakefront races or are just starting out on your running journey, this is a race everyone should have on their list!
First of all the weather was amazing this year, which is not normally the case on Memorial Day weekend. Great weather also brought out huge crowds, so the start line was quiet congested. They did have corrals and started each of them as a wave start which helped tremendously.
The course itself is an out and back. You run from Soldier Field to Hyde Park and back. Very flat, easy course but the first half is on Lake Shore Drive, which I find a bit boring. However, headed back you run along the water with a view of the City, so I enjoyed the 2nd half of the race a bit more. The crowds in the wave I ran with were pretty consistent and didn't thin out much, but once I got through the first mile, I was much easier to run my normal pace. The aid stations were well stocked and had supportive volunteers. Fleet Feet always puts on the best Chicago races, and I find their course support to always be great. This finish is right on the 50 yard line at Soldier Field and probably one of the best finish lines in Chicago running events. Friends and family can sit in the stands and watch your entrance into the stadium on the jumbo tron.
The after party is great too. Very spread out, so you didn't feel cramped,and lots of activities for spectators. Runner refresh this year was packaged in a nice reusable bag and full bottles of water were supplied. Once you get out of the stadium, there is a "tailgate" are with beer and vendor booths. There as plenty of room to stretch, enjoy a beer and take in the sights before rushing off.
All in all, one of the best spring running events in Chicago, great for runners and spectators. Register early for best corral selection and best pricing.

This was my first time running this race, and I will definitely be back.

The race was very well run with many aid courses and clearly marked paths. The course runs along the lakefront path, starting at Montrose Harbor. The course weaved in an out a bit through the Montrose Harbor park, then loops down the path to Fullerton and back. Nice and flat, easy course.

The race had a cap of runners (I believe 2,500) which made it the perfect size. I didn't find myself having to weave in and out of other runners too much.

Since it was a smaller size race, there was no expo but packet pick up was seamless. I liked the virtual goodie bag instead of getting all the unnecessary race flyers. The race shirt was a very nice half zip, that I will definitely wear again. I am not big finisher medals for races under 13.1 but this was a nice one.
The only "complaint" I had was that there was not bottles of water in the post race refreshments. There were cups of water, but it would have been nice to have more water to walk around with once complete.

Overall I really enjoyed the event and will definitely be back again.