Latest reviews by Jeff Edmonds

(2013)
"Awesome Race"
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I did this race for the first time in 2013, and I will absolutely do it again! It's a very fast course, It's flat and not overcrowded. The race was relatively affordable compared to others, and the EXPO and t-shirt were great considering the price. Support during the race was awesome. Because the race is in July, it can be pretty hot, but there was plenty of water and runners were in the shade most of the time because it's downtown! I can't wait to do this one again!

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(2012)
"Fast & Crowded"
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If you must do a local 5K on Thanksgiving day, I suppose you could do this one. The event was terribly crowded, especially at the start line. Like many 5K events, runners were not lined up at the start according to accurate paces, and I spent the entire first half-mile weaving through young children and strollers. The t-shirt was a decent long-sleeved cotton shirt that I actually enjoy wearing. Parking was a nightmare, if you plan to drive. Also, the race was almost a full 3.5 miles and not a 5K, which makes a big difference if you really start to sprint when there's only what you think is a quarter-mile remaining.

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(2012)
"Freezing and Fun!"
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If they got the issue with their 2012 EXPO figured out, I'm sure things were drastically improved in 2013! The race itself is flat and quick, and the post-race stuff is really cool. The hoodie was awesome in 2012, but it should be considering the price you pay to enter. I was in Corral A and had no problems, but friends who were in later corrals for the 2012 race didn't start until almost 90 minutes after me, so they might have different feelings about this race. I'd recommend doing it IF you can get a fast corral.

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(2012)
"Awesome Course & Great Jacket"
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This was an amazing race! I ran the10-mile course, but there was also a half-marathon option. The course is primarily residential, but it does snake along the river as well. I would describe the terrain as "rolling hills". The uphills were not steep enough to slow you down and the downhills were great for accelerating and cutting some overall time. The course is beautiful and staffed well. They provided an awesome medal and a great running jacket! I would encourage anyone to run this course for a challenge and/or a PR at the half-marathon or 10-mile distance. (They were the same course until the 10-mile course split off three blocks from the finish.) Parking was a little difficult and the after-party was pretty crowded, but it was still a great race and a great day!

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(2012)
"Beautiful Residential Course"
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I ran this race in 2012 and in 2009. The 5K goes first, and the 10K begins after the 5K is completed, so it can make for a long morning if you're with people doing both races. Still, the course is completely residential and totally flat. There are enough turns to break it up and make it interesting. If you're actually paying attention to the scenery, you'll see several Frank Lloyd Wright homes as you run. The long-sleeved cotton t-shirt is nothing special, but the race is pretty cheap so I didn't expect otherwise. Parking is great! The race starts and ends right by Oak Park River Forest High School. Only the winners get medals, so don't expect one just for participating. The field is actually really competitive; several sub-6:00/mile runners participate. If you're looking to PR in a 5K or 10K, I highly suggest running this race!

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