This race was amazing. The level of detail the race organizers went through to ensure that every single part of the race experience ran smoothy, showed!
1. Packet pick up - There were a TON of options for grabbing your race bag, including day-of packet pick up. It was also super easy to have someone else grab your bib, which I did, so can't say too much more about how packet pick up went.
2. Race day - The parking lot had a ton of people directing traffic, which was really helpful. It was quick to get in, and no one had to park SO far, that you couldn't walk back and grab things if needed. The race area was awesome. So many fun, interactive booths to talk with cool people, check out past event pics, drink beer, etc. They had FREE COFFEE for anyone, and big fire pits for everyone to stay warm around. I think I had more fun spectating and hanging out than actually racing! They really did a great job. They also had boy scouts walking around and picking up the trash all day, it was awesome to see them involve a cool org like that, and also make sure the park stayed clean.
3. The Race! I did the relay, and had so much fun. I loved running as part of a team, and loved the handouts, etc. The course was hilly, but incredibly beautiful. The trails were clean, and the whole park was starting to change colors for fall - it was amazing! There was one water station for my one loop (each relay member would run the same course, about 6mi) You passed them on the way out, and the way back, and all the volunteers were encouraging and friendly, and helpful!
4. Post race party - Back to the fun! They had medals for everyone, bananas and snack to grab, and you could hang out and stay warm and wait for your team.

This was an amazing race, and I had such a blast. I loved watching all the 50K and 50milers finish as now. I need to go back and tackle that long distance!

This was an incredible race, and I would definitely recommend it. This year, the weather was really mild for August, which made for the perfect racing day. The Madison campus is also such a fun place; beautiful lake front, bike friendly campus, great bars & restaurants. It was a really fun place to get out of Chicago and race.

Expo: The expo was smaller, but easy to navigate, and a quick in and out. The expo was open until 8pm on Friday, which was perfect for people traveling from other states. I didn't submit a seeding time early enough, but everyone at the expo was incredibly helpful, and got me switched last minute. The shirt was not my favorite, but the packet also came with a Madison Mini pint glass, which I LOVED!

Start Line: The start line was in the center of Madison, and incredibly easy to find. Parking was quick too. There are a ton of parking garages in downtown Madison, and it was only $4 to park for the day. There could have been more port-o-potties at the start, but I blame myself for not allowing enough time before the race start. The wheelchair racers went off first, which was an inspiring way to start the race.

Course: The course was tough, really hilly, but beautiful! I loved running through the Madison Arboretum. It was shady and incredibly scenic. The course kicks off running through the Madison campus, and then heads out to the scenic Arboretum, we then come back through the city, which gets tough. There were lots of tiny hills on the last two miles. The water stations were on point. They had flags set up about .2 miles before the water stations, which I loved. It was great to know a station was coming up to grab fuel in time. More races should do this! The finish line was also so awesome. There was a bridge ahead of the finish line, which had a ton of spectators cheering us on. I loved it!

Post-Race - At the end of the race, you're handed a pretty sweet medal, which is also a bottle opener, along with AMAZING Wisconsin chocolate milk, bananas, water, and granola bars. From the finish line, you could move over to the terrace where they had the post race party. This was easily the best part. They had a bar/grill open to grab beers (even by the pitcher!), and a burger or brat. The had a ton of tables out on the terrace and live music. It was incredible to just chill outside on the lake and have some beers afterward. I wished I stayed the night in madison to really enjoy the post-race event.

Overall, this was a really well run event. Volunteers and spectators were amazing. The course was beautiful, and the post race party was the best I've ever seen. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone!

This race was a ton of fun. I have not done a 5K in awhile, so it was tough to compare, but the after party blew other racers away. I'm sad this was the last year for this race. I always have a blast here.

Packet Pick Up - quick and well organized. The kids running the packet pick up knew how to get people out quickly. The times for packet pick up were pretty limited, but day off wasn't too bad.

Location/Travel - The race was located on the south end of grant park. For me, it was easy to get to. I rode my bike down. They didn't have many options for locking up, so most people ended up locking to the fence. I could definitely see this as an area to improve, but with this being the race's last year, it was no big deal.

Course - I loved the course. Normally Chicago races will go under McCormick Place causing Garmins to lose signal, and a lot of people trip. The race just looped around the lake short path and the park. They did a really good job at clearing the course for runners. I saw 1 water stop, there might have been more, I didn't take any. For me, this was enough, but I could see people needing more.

Post Race - The only thing they gave out at the end of the race was water and gatorade. I kind of wish there was more - a clif bar, chocolate milk, a banana, something. Each bib came with a ticket for pizza and beer, so they did provide some food. I just wish there was more at the finish. Regardless, the post race party rocked. They had magic hat beer - an IPA and #9 as options, Lou Malnati's Pizza, and the band Old Shoe jamming all night. The area was fenced off, and a lot of people stayed to hang out afterward. It kind of turned into a mini concert - people getting drunk and hanging to watch the band. It was a lot of fun.

Overall, I love this race. It's a smaller 5K in Chicago and the post race party makes the experience worth it!

The Boston Marathon is an incredible race. Not only the race, but the entire weekend is full of events, elite runner sightings, and the coolest, newest gear and swag. Talk to people, make friends, attend the events, but make sure not to walk too much. I wore a pedometer on Saturday, and ended up walking over 13miles.

DO - go to a game at Fenway, take a picture under the finish line, run your shakeout along the canal, google tips for your spectators (lots of blogs out there with good recommendations)

DONT - Walk too much, forget to sleep, run with headphones - the crowds are amazing TAKE IT ALL IN!

The race itself is incredible. I was lucky enough to train with Adidas/Fleet Feet Boston Bound Program. They gave us VIP treatment all weekend - room blocks, VIP hotel room all weekend at the Marriot, with the exception of letting us know last minute we would not be able to get into the Competitor Party on Saturday Night. Huge bummer. They did supply our own bus to the start line that held our gear and drove it to the finish for us. AMAZING PERK.

It was a rainy day and really cold. The race starts and is pretty packed. Even with the rain, the crowds were out, and it was amazing. The first few miles consisted of families out grilling and drinking beers cheering on their lawns. The course moves through a few collages and those areas are ROWDY

The entire race is so much fun, there were so many inspiring people on the course - people finishing on crutches, blind runners, etc. The energy is incredible. I planned for the hills to hit and run from around mile 16 - 21. I would be prepared for the entire thing to be hilly. We had small rolling hills once we got into Boston, but by that time the hills and downhills had killed my quads and those seemed more challenging than Heartbreak (Which im still not sure when I hit).

The only bad thing I can say, which is out of the race's control, was the weather. The finish line was cold and rainy. I couldn't feel anything and had to head straight back to the hotel. It would have been nice to spend a bit more time at the finish line soaking in all the excitement.

5 days later, I'm still on a high from this race and the whole experience. Run it if you can!