I loved this race. I did the half marathon and my cousin in law did the 50K, and we both had great experiences.

- We parked like 10 feet from the starting line, which was awesome. Parking was so easy and accessible - I loved that.
- Because I was watching my cousin go off early with the 50K runners, I got to see the 50 milers, 50Ks, and marathon runners go off before the 13.1 runners. Each race distance was well organized and went off without a hitch.
- The course was challenging. Lots of ups and downs, and a lot of large, chunky rocks all over the largely single-track course (which I've heard are called "baby skulls"). I was in descent shape and had done a few trail runs in preparation, but this race is where I learned that my ankles were not tough enough yet. I stayed with the leaders for half the race, and finished at a ginger jog quite a ways back.
- There are some really stunning views, especially one from a huge cliff top.
- The post race party was awesome, lots of food and space to move around.
- Aid stations were fine, just not that many of them. I brought a water bottle with me and still was needing more fluids (in July, there really should be more aid stations on the course).

Overall, this was a great race and I'd definitely consider doing it again (or one of the ultra distances).

I liked this race. It was a nice 5 mile race through Lincoln Park, with some really good food before/after (mainly carts and food trucks), and some well-dressed Francophiles. Some of the costumes were pretty cool, and it was nice to shake up the mid-week running routine with something new. That time of year can be monotonous for anyone training for a marathon, so this was a good excuse to still run but add a twist.

Course was easy and pretty - throughout Lincoln Park and near the lake. No complaints on the race organization - they did everything right that I remember.

Soldier Field 10 Miler is one of the best races in the city of Chicago. They just do everything right - awesome course that follows a lot of the lake shore path, perfectly organized starting line, aid stations are perfectly set up (paper cups with energy drink FIRST and water SECOND so you don't leave the aid station with a sugary taste in your mouth), and a very cool finish on the 50 yard line in Solider Field.

I mean, I'm a huge Green Bay Packer fan and I love this race. That has to say something!

I've done this race three times now and it's a staple on my racing calendar going forward.

This race had a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Expo was outside in Chicago in November, but they couldn't accommodate all the people who were trying to pick up their packets (despite knowing how many people had signed up for the race). People literally waited hours outside before getting their packets. The "expo" alone was brutal.

The race start was also bad. I know one person who finished and his wife was just starting the race - that's how backed up the starting line was. And, again, Chicago in November and everyone is just standing around for hours.

Also, this race is pricey. The SWAG really is outstanding (awesome hoodie), but they ran out of chocolate at the end of the race, despite knowing how many people signed up for the race.

With all the competition from other races, they'll need to make some significant improvements. Though I have heard that in years since (I ran this in 2012) the race has corrected a lot of the issues, especially the expo.