First off, I'm a little bias when it comes to my review, since I BQ'd this race and will forever love it for that reason. However, here is my critique!

1. Pre Race - The layout, maps, directions were a little unorganized and confusing. I was staying at the Holiday Inn, and shuttles were offered by Christie Clinic to pick us up at 5, 530, or 6. The race started at 7, so I planned to be on the 5am Bus. However, while standing outside at 5am, the bus drove right pass me, never to come back. Not the best way to start your marathon morning! However, the 530am bus came, stopped, and all was settled.

2. The Race - This specific day ended up being a lot warmer than expected, but the organizers did a great job at having water stations out. Student from frats and sororities came out to watch, families were standing outside to cheer everyone on. It was a nice atmosphere, and felt fairly well supported for being a small town. The first half was fantastic - we ran through the campus, shaded neighborhoods, and nature preservers. The second half, was not so nice; many open 2 lane roads with minimal shade. Not to mention, a couple surprise hills around mile 24.

3. Post Race - The finish line was awesome. You run through the stadium, and your name and time is announced to the crowd. Once you're done, there was really bad flow to get water, a metal, etc. The bathrooms were not marked, it was really unclear where gear check or the post race food was located.

Overall, I would recommend this race to anyone trying to qualify or looking for a spring marathon in the midwest. However, I think the half marathon might be a better bet.

Why run a half marathon, at the end of January, in 10 degrees, on snow and ice covered terrain, with wind coming from both the south AND the north? Because we're runners, and we love a challenge, and it brings us together, no matter what! That's the best part of this race. It's not about PR'ing, it's about toughing the cold and ice together, as the Chicago running community.

The course starts at Montrose, which is normally fairly easy to park. I suggest driving, since you'll want to spend as much time as possible in warmth before race start. This year was very cold, icy, and snowy (Thank you, Chiberia), but the camaraderie makes this race. I clustered in a group of 4 runners, and we took turns blocking the wind from each other. Everyone called out large ice patches, and MADE props to the volunteers who stood outside for hours, just so we had water and Gatorade.

I'm notorious for having a bad race at the Chicago Half, but ended up running it again in 2013 because it is a good distance from the Chicago Marathon and a good time to check your fitness level if you're in marathon training. However, here's my attempted unbiased breakdown:
Pros - Great time of year weather wise for a half marathon, great weather and good for marathon training. It's located in hyde park, there's ample parking, and not too terrible of a drive down from the northside (do beware the drive back. Race day often ends up being the same day at the first Bears game). Lots of people do this race, and each year it seems to double in participants ( which can be a good or bad thing)
Cons - The expo is at Navy Pier, on a Friday or Saturday. DO NOT drive there. It's all the way in the back, and I highly suggest walking outside to the back auditorium to avoid the inside foot traffic. The course is flat, but pretty boring. You get to run down LSD, but it's not very scenic. The post race party has pizza and beer, however the lines for each are incredibly long, and not really worth it ( I'm not a big fan of deep dish pizza right after running 13 mi).

Overall, it's not a bad race, however I think there are better organized, more scenic half marathons to do.