I love running Chicago! I ran in 2010 and 2012 and it demonstrates how different weather can be. In 2010, it was 73 at the start, 93 at the finish and I was just trying to finish without the black flag coming out. In 2012, cool, 50* and a PR. Flat and fast course with minimal hills if any. You see a good bunch of Chicago and the fans are phenomenal. Additionally, aid stations are well done.

Expo: fast and painless, although, their moving to have runners pick up their own bibs. Lots of different vendors and races to browse through. Also have a t-shirt exchange option to take advantage of.

Use the El to get around, it's easier than trying to drive. Overall, awesome race, and a must do eventually for any runner!

I've done RnR Chicago twice. My issue with RnR is that their prices without fail go up every year and the prices for a half marathon seem so high, even if it's 6-8 months out.

Expo is at McCormick Place, the CTA drops you off right in front. It seems like it's through all eternity to get too (the Chicago Marathon in October's expo is closer than the RnR expo!). The vendors are the same ones you see at most RnR races so same old same old. It's hit or miss whether you can actually pick up someone else's bib, which is a shame.

The course: fairly flat, which is Chicago for you. Around McCormick place, a good 1/4-1/2 a mile is under McCormick bridge or something along those lines, but it's kinda creepy- I felt like if something happened under there you were in trouble.

The Finish: good amount of food and drinks available. grab as much free samples as you can!

It's Chicago, take advantage of public transportation. Don't drive in if you don't have to, so not worth your car and parking is crazy pricy! Make a long weekend out of it- Midway Airport and O'Hare are along the El

Ran Cap City back in 2012 (or there abouts!). A good Saturday race from what I remember. It's a good race in central OH and easy to get to if you're traveling from out of state (Port Columbus Int Airport is a mid size but good airport!).

Expo is at the Convention Center and the type where you have to walk through in order to get your bib and swag. Lots of speakers through out the day. We're Ohioans, so expect some Buckeyes/former Buckeyes/ well known central OH pro athletes and Central OH athletes to be speaking. Decent expo size, but your typical expo stuff from what I can remember.

You're sent off in waves. Every few minutes, people are sent off with a bunch of your closest friends. Be ready for some well known Columbus/ Central OH personalities to send you off.

Course itself takes you through Columbus. You get to see a lot of downtown, German Village, the Arena district. Expect some hills, especially towards the end, the last 1/2-1 mile. Good fan support on course and you can eyeball some good post race restaurants.

Get ready for a fun post race party in Columbus Commons. Wine, food, drinks, all the good stuff. Music and entertainment going on as well.

Pacers run to help you out, there's live runner tracking and a 5 K and 1/4 Marathon (ie 6.55 miles) if you're not up for running 13.1 miles. Definitely a go to central OH race!

I know people get on NYRR for the 2012 debacle with Hurricane Sandy, but leave that aside. I ran NYC in 2011 and it was an incredible experience. Yes, it starts in Statin Island, but it's painless to get there via Ferry and Shuttle Buses. You also have the first 2-3 miles to get your groove on running over into Brooklyn and you're welcomed with crowds that never thin out. It's a whole lot of party from there!! The fans are out there and it's a whole bunch of culture to boot. Plenty of aid stations along the way. Expect to have some hills in NYC (which you don't realize when you're casually walking around) and you hit all 5 boroughs. Central Park is rough at the end on the legs, so be warned

Expo: good size, lots of vendors and a huge amount of people to visit

I ran Broad Street in 2010 and 2011 while living in Philadelphia. At that point, it was done by first come first serve registration, however, they've since gone to a lottery system because of the amount of people trying to get into the race.

The Race: Point to point race. Park close to the Navy Yard where the race finishes and either take the shuttle or SEPTA to the start of the race by Einstein Hospital. The course is flat and straight. The only turns you have is when you go around City Hall. Expect a good amount of support of from fans. Within the first 1/2 mile, expect to see people from one of the churches out supporting you (priests, nuns and all). Water every mile or so to keep you going.

The Expo: Held at Lincoln Stadium normally (I think it's moved since). Good amount of vendors around. Enjoy it while you're there.

Medals: Decent- another one for the collection!

Shirts: Both of mine from 2010 and 2011 are the same design, except different colors. Same goes for the volunteer shirts

the Finish: The Navy Yard. Expect some post race shenanigans to enjoy- music, food etc and an easy walk back to your car

A race to do at least once if you can!