Rock The Night 5k

I have to say, after a few bumps when they tried to do it the first time, they really pulled it…read moreoff. It was a really good event. Everything as promised. Cute shirt, a great medal, and DJ's every half mile. Tim Spinnin' Schommer was the main DJ on the stage in the after party. We will definitely come back next year and get a whole group with us because it was really really fun!

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Soldier Field 10 Mile

It's great running the SF10 after a two year hiatus. What a great way to start off the holiday…read moreweekend. This year, a 10k was offered along with the 10 miler. I did the 10k and had a similar experience (and medal) as if I had done the 10 miler :-). The best part of finishing in Soldier Field. Great job to the event organizers and volunteers! It was an amazing Saturday morning and perfect for the run.

Fantastic event! So wonderfully organized! Hope to experience this again! Perfect way to honor…read moreyour veterans!

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DC Wonder Woman

4.5

Overall, a great race and I recognize it was their first time. My only point of feedback:…read moreespecially in the Lincoln Park area - paths are very narrow and it is very hard when people are walking on the course. I would just encourage them to be a little more organized with the corrals and ask walkers to either stay to the right or be in the back so people who are actually running the event can run. Other than that, for a first time event, it was actually amazing. I loved all the women in costumes. There were a few guys here and there, but mostly women, so it was very empowering. Love Wonder Woman as a character and obviously the symbolism of female empowerment. The swag and medal were absolutely beautiful. Very nice for the price point!

I participated yesterday in the Chicago Wonder Woman 5k and it was the most fun and woman-…read moreempowering race I've ever been. Met lots of wonderful gals with incredible stories making them real-life Wonder Women! Their swag was worth it alone!! Great volunteers who were happy to be helping. Just a wonderful environment! I was not planning to be home in Chicago October next year, but gonna need to alter my plans! I don't want to miss next year and bringing more Wonder Woman friends to add to the fun! Gawd!! I'm still on a high from it all!!!!

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F3 Lake Half Marathon & 5K

3.6

(13 reviews)

0.1 mi

Similar to a previous review, the pre-race communication is lacking. I registered using a Black…read moreMonday code. I selected a packet pick-up date that I forgot to put in my calendar. I totally forgot about packet pick-up leading up to the race until I coincidentally saw something on Instagram about the last chance for packet pick-up the day before the race. No reminder email about packet pick-up...just a random chance of checking Instagram having not used Instagram in many years. Mind you they charge you if you have to do race day pick-up after missing the previous pick-up chances. The race itself has drastically declined ever since the founders left the race group. The founders were eager to improve and ensure an excellent race experience. The current group does not care. No post-race survey to fix the low hanging fruit issues. The noticeable difference with the race itself is the finish line. Finishers hang out right at the finish line so you finish and run into runners and spectators blocking the area just over the finish line. That is a safety issue especially since the temps were well below freezing so couldn't see if people spilled water. The is also incredibly inconsiderate to block the finish chute after running a half marathon into a headwind. The last thing I want to do is have to navigate through a crowd to get water or my medal. The race course itself is the usual lakefront course with spectators blocking the path at multiple spots and at least one car driving on the lakefront path during the race. Not only was packet pick-up nearly missed, but I selected the Fleet Feet gift card in lieu of a shirt during registration. They ran out of gift cards at packed pick-up. They were supposed to mail me the gift card after the race. Packet pick-up was on Jan. 30 and race on Jan. 31. I emailed on Mar. 5 saying I never received my gift card. I emailed again on May 11 saying I still have not received a gift card. Finally, I received an email on Jun 5. saying the gift cards were mailed out. I received the gift card early last week. I opened the envelop yesterday on Jul. 1 and find out the gift card was valid 1/1/2026-6/30/2026. Them emailing me on Jun. 5 was their reasoning of giving me a heads up about the expiration date. To their credit, the race group did respond to emails every time I pointed out their failed promise. However, 4.5 months later to resolve an issue of their own doing is pathetic. I was given a discount code for the next year's race so kudos for them, but I had already decided that last year was my last F^3 race. The race is not worth me spending any money on. Compared to my first F^3 Lakefront Half in 2014 at Montrose Beach exposed to the Polar Vortex, this race and race group have really gone downhill. There are many other races in Chicago that offer a better overall racing experience so run this race at your own discretion or at least set the bar very low for your expectations.

I ran this race a few times before Covid and it always was a unique and fun one. For the 2022…read moreedition, F^3 was a slap in the face. They were sending out race emails BCC'd (instead of paying for a trusted sending service) so everything went to spam. The only important email that went through, on 1/21, provided 24 hours notice for the last Chicago city packet pickup. However, the more important detail shared turned out to be that the event would be 100% outside with no use of the United Club: "We will be conducting the race outside this year. After consulting with our medical director and team, we will not be using the indoor United Club in an effort to mitigate COVID risk during a time of high community spread. We furthermore will recommend face coverings while in corral areas." Despite how massive of a convenience this was, organizers seemed incapable of communicating in a timely fashion on Facebook or on the race website. I perceived this as a sly way of minimizing blowback. My position is that if the organizers didn't have to completely eat the fee for canceling the United Club week-of, they should have credited some portion of entry fees for those who wanted to run the next year. That would be in an ideal world though. In this world, the next "Race is On!" email participants received was telling us to take public transportation to the race and to gather at a bar after the race. So much for those doctor's recommendations! When complaining about this online, someone in the Chicago running community mentioned that this "independent" organization was actually bought out by some national group or private equity firm years and years ago but continues to hold on to the "independent" branding. I've been unable to verify it, but, man, being a distance runner during Covid was a frosty experience.

The Finish Line Refreshments 2022

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The Return Loop Race Loop along Lake Michigan 2022

Chicago Beer 5K

0.5 mi

Don't be fooled: it's the Chicago Beer 5K, not the closely named Chicago Bears 5K (which is in…read moreJuly). I love to do these events -as I'm a craft beer enthusiast. I love trying different beers and learning the names and flavor nuances so I can ask for those beers when I go out to eat. This was a great event. It wasn't very big. We ended up meeting some other ladies along the path as we walked to the south end of Grant Park. She said only 400 people were registered, which is considered pretty small by downtown 5K standards. The path was really pretty, mostly along the lakefront. My only feedback is that this happened to fall on the same day as the Walk and Roll Chicago (a cancer charity walk). Therefore, it was a bit chaotic. Both races shared some of the same path.There was a bit of a clogged situation at times, and a runner almost tripped over me. I was walking (nursing an injured ankle) with a 20 lb. "ruck sack" (it's called rucking), so the crowds didn't bother me. It was my first time doing this, so I was taking my time. Hopefully, next year, they will check the calendar of events or change the path to go in the opposite direction of the Walk and Roll. (There was also an event time change due to this conflict but it did not help the overlap. The cancer walk must have gone on for hours. It was wrapping up when we walked back to the car around 1pm or so.) The after party was great. You got a little mug as you finished and could then walk around the little festival and try different beers. There were a lot of great brewers from the city and suburbs and I got to know some new breweries to check out. Loved this event - hoping to make this an annual part of my summer 5K schedule!

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

2.5

(303 reviews)

1.5 mi

This is a pretty good 5k. The reason I'm giving it 5 stars is because it's one of the better races,…read morebut the time between groups starting the race takes so long when you're the last group. I get why it's like 2-3 minutes between groups, however it's very cold out. I do want to say that the end of the race is getting way better, much more organized. The line to get the finisher mugs went super fast. The race packet pickup was pretty easy. The clothing you get with the packet was nice.

Overall 2.4 stars?! WHAAAAAT!…read more This is my 4th year participating in this event and I can't stress enough of how much I love it. This is not a race where you can truly know what your pace is or get a personal record but come onnn. Hot chocolate as an incentive?! 50,000+ people participating?! There's a reason for that! It's a great experience and the perfect run to appreciate the downtown area for all the beauty it has to offer. The events start at 730am however anticipate starting well after 8am. With 50,000+ people there's just no way to get everyone across the start line at exactly 730. The chocolate, the after party, etc are well worth the wait haha. There's something about running this course that just helps me adore the city of Chicago and love all of its architecture. Roads are blocked off for the runners, it's peaceful and honestly just beautiful. This event/course is one of my favorite 5Ks and I'll continue doing it for as long as I can.

Runners

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Stan's Donut Dash 5k & Kids Dash

4.3

I really enjoyed this 5K Race! It started and ended at…read moreSoldier Field. There were people dressed up in Donut and Coffee Costumes! The participants were individuals, groups, and families. After the main 5K Race there was a Kid's Dash in which they also received their own medals. I like that parents pushed their children in strollers around the course which wound around behind The Field Museum and along Lake Michigan with views of Navy Pier, people fishing for perch, and then the loop continued back up behind The Field Museum to the grassy park behind The Chicago Bear's Stadium. There were donut and water pit stops through the 5K Course. The medals were Pink Donuts with Stan's Signature Logo. I liked that the 5K was a money raising opportunity to support Cal's Angels-a cancer supporter of children battling this disease and their families. Already, I am looking forward to next year's race! FYI-The Race was SOLD OUT!!!!

This was my 2nd year volunteering with Stan's Donut 5K race. I received an email a few days before…read morethe race in details for the volunteers to be there around 5:30 A.M to set up. I get there in time to check in and get my tee shirt and assigned duty. Only to stand around and be eating by mosquitos. Everyone was running around trying to get things organized but failed to allow some of the volunteers to help. I just went back to my car and waited until 6:30 and went back over to my station. Still No Donuts had arrived. So, me and a few other volunteers just walked around with no directions or duties to be filled. A few runners were beginning to check in and vendors were setting up stations. Finally around 7:15 here comes the donut truck and we were able to help with bringing the boxes over to the donut station. It's a nice race for a good cause but I just felt that the set up could of been better organized this year. I didn't wake up early to just stand around and do nothing and when the volunteers asked to lend a hand we were kind of brushed off. The details from the email didn't align up with the duties that were given to the volunteers I loved the fact that the runners did acknowledged the volunteers. After the runners had finished their race and came over to the donut station. Each runner said Thank you and We appreciate you coming out so early to support and help with this race. That's the only reason for my 3 star review the cause of this race and the love that was shown from the runners.

Waiting for the Start-2023

MC at the Starting Gate-2023

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Race Route-2023

Run Mag Mile

4.3

1.5 mi

Chicago is known to be windy so I layered up. By the time it took me to walk from Millennium…read moreStation to my starting coral, I had already warmed up. Ran into a couple of people I knew and joined them in a pre race stretch session. I even made a few friends and we agreed to meet up in October for another race. This was my first time participating in Run Mag Mile; it's amazing how beautiful and peaceful Chicago is when it's shut down. No buses. No taxis. No horns blowing. No noise. Just peace and quiet. Which sets the scene for a great outdoor experience; walking or running. My goal in starting was to walk briskly and finish up with jogging. For some reason, I completely did the opposite. I began with a nice paced jog and ended up walking over the finish line. Either way, there is no feeling like receiving a medal that you earned. And what a beautiful medal it is. Let the festivities begin! Our bib included a drink ticket and two FREE Taste of Chicago tickets. Plan to return next year and beat my time! Wish me luck!

What a FUN race! Granted I'm not an avid race runner so I don't have many to compare this to, BUT I…read morehave worked many races as a brand ambassador or volunteer so I have the post-race after experience to compare. 5K Race itself was well orchestrated and seamless; we ran through Grant Park where the Start line gear check etc was then turned onto Michigan Ave north crossing the river over the bridge and up to the Hancock building where we turned down the other side of Michigan Ave, turning again to the underpass on Randolph then south on Columbus for the finish line. Beautiful morning to do so, weather cooperated and was sunny and a lovely fall 70 degrees. 5K finishers did not get a medal unfortunately; only 10K. Plenty of water bottles and Luna protein bars at the end. No bananas though. The announcer was lively monologuing and saw my bib number 'Kristin we've been waiting for you!' Hah! I about collapsed from laughter and surprise. Afterwards runners can collect a brunch boxed meal and a beer or moscow mule with tickets from your bib. mb financial booth doing some giveaways.

2023 Run Mag Mile Offerings and Registration Information

We're ready....

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Hot dog

NASCAR Chicago Street Race

1.4 mi

Review 500 had to be special…read more "I took up racing because I was too lazy to work and too chicken to steal" -Kyle Petty "You win some, you lose some and wreck some" -Dale Earnhardt We all have a back story a past that formed who we are. Some experiences touch us, some move us. On a few rare occasions we are so inspired by an experience that it literally has the ability to guide our future. I am the only girl; growing up with four brothers was truly something. We would gather around our old floor model tv and watch Nascar with my dad. My brothers loved it. I had no idea what I was watching. My dad would yell "pick a car baby girl". I would yell back "7 or 13". My dad wanted us to experience Nascar in person but there was never enough money for all of us. In 2023 when Nascar came to Chicago, I was so excited! I know I had to be one of the first ten to purchase my ticket. Unfortunately, due to torrential rain I still missed it. I stood at the gate for over an hour in the rain. We were told that because of the lightning, they had to reset the clock on letting us inside. NO umbrellas allowed. I thought they were kidding until I was made to toss it. I walked to my section and was not allowed inside because it flooded. They were waiting for the fire marshals to approve entry. I walked to one of the food vendors and paid 9$ for a hotdog, 10$ if you add mustard. Food and drink were included with my ticket. We were let in a bit after 2. There were drinks but NO food. Frustrated, soaked and starting to feel sick, I left. This year's experience was priceless! I wish my dad was alive to see it. The weather was nice and sunny. Not too hot. My seat was perfect, even better than what I had last year. Made it in time for lunch and there was plenty of GOOD food. Drinks were also in abundance. Loads of snacks including Garrets popcorn. There was a beautiful lounge set up outside with Jack Daniel's seats and our private bathrooms were plentiful. When I was about to leave, they were serving dinner so I stayed and enjoyed a plate. So much to see, so much to do. Games to play, booths to visit, samples to try. Meet new people and enjoy the concerts. This was my first time seeing Buddy Guy in person. He was such a character, loved him. Yes, Nascar. I will be waiting for my email to return next year.

First, I want to say that I'm a big fan of NASCAR. I attended my first race when I was just 16…read moreyears old in Sonoma, California. Once you hear the sounds of those roaring engines you fall in love with the chaos that is about to ensue. I've attended the Phoenix NASCAR event for 4 different years, including 1 year I had pit passes, so I'm a very big fan of NASCAR. Also worked Joliet NASCAR race the summer of 2006. This is my second year volunteering at the NASCAR experience street racing in the city of Chicago. When I saw this opportunity was going to be available for the residence of Chicago to see how awesome NASCAR is...I couldn't wait to be involved. What a joy that this is actually legal street racing. I ended up volunteering last year as I taking a break from work and it was such a good experience that I thought a why not volunteer again. Last year I volunteered on Saturday and was able to see a lot of qualifying races and have a good time, unfortunately they were rained out and I did not get to see the NASCAR event on Sunday last year. This year I have volunteered on Saturday and it was nice to be a part of the NASCAR community and hear live concerts said see demo and get free paraphernalia related to NASCAR racing. This year the weather was beautiful on Saturday and I got to hear, Buddy Guy live, and then also the Black Keys. The food, the energy, the community cannot be understated for this NASCAR event. NASCAR is very diverse and everyone feels welcome. I will say as a person that has attended other NASCAR around the country. What was missing was the tailgating aspect. Hanging out in the parking lot and sharing beers and stories of NASCAR with others is pretty cool element of the NASCAR community. Probably hard to accomplish when you are actually street racing and not at a standup venue however, the fact that you were street racing along the very streets that we drive every day is just undone, especially with the skyscraping views of the city of Chicago. Hands-down, I would buy tickets for this event and just prepare to spend all weekend hanging out with the NASCAR family. If you like cars, if you like live music, if you like good food, this is a place for you. Safety was a priority here and was such a nice place to be. If you plan on getting tickets for 2025 I highly recommend you spend the extra money and get reserve seating as there are no guaranteed seats with general admission. Tip: if you plan on coming to this event, I would highly recommend that you take the Metra as that is the closest entrance to getting into the park.

Soaked @ the gate Nascar 2023

07.04.25 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race

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Pit Crew

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

4.5

(162 reviews)

20.7 mi

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Waterfall Glen is a beautiful display of nature. Trails offer a robust adventure. Two parking lots,…read moreone off of Cass Avenue and the other off of Lemont Road.

Brown-eyed Susan

Creeping bellflower

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East Bank Club

(354 reviews)

2.2 mi

Gorgeous health club!! My friend belongs here and I joined her for dinner at the restaurant/grill…read more The food was tasty and excellent service. I was given a 90 minute pass for dinner and they seem strict on the time. My friend also gave me a tour. It's an impressive space!! About 450,000 square feet, spanning across 2 full city blocks and 5 levels. They have everything you can think of: pools (4 pools!), saunas, restaurants, tennis, golf, basketball, boxing, group glasses, weights, machines, pickleball, spa, hair and nail salon, indoor running track, co-working space, and so much more. Beautiful artwork, pristine locker rooms and restrooms. Wow! High ceilings and so much space overall. Nothing felt crowded. Beautiful design and layout. I was in awe and very impressed.

(Kari's Rating 7.5/10)…read more TLDR -Up-to-Date equipment -Work from home spaces -Convenient Healthy Market Came with a friend to hang out on a Wednesday around 5:30pm to see what East Bank Club is all about. After seeing all the crazy amenities which were super cool with a ton of variety, I think the thing that surprised me the most is how up-to-date all of the equipment was and the variety of activities they had for people to enjoy. If you're looking for an all encompassing workout/work space, this is it! They have everything from full-size tennis courts, to a golf simulator-like set up,except you get to hit into an inflatable pillow! They also had plenty of Pickleball courts, and they offer so many different workout group classes.both a wet and dry, sauna, and tons of treadmills and free weights. I was also really impressed that they also had a physical training area. So think something that was my personal favorite and the best thing for Chicago Summers is a beautiful rooftop pool and lounge area. Not only did they have two outdoor pools (one for adults and one for kids) but they also have an indoor pool as well for winter as well as an indoor hot tub! They also had a common area workspace where people can come to take meetings and do their work from home gigs. You could practically move in here haha! As of right now, it is a $750 new membership fee as well as $295 a month, which is a pretty hefty chunk of change if you ask me considering most of the high rises around, have some kind of rooftop pool and workout area. It is cheaper if you join with a domestic partner or if you're between the ages of 16 and 29-see pic for current pricing. They also sometimes host social events which is super fun to meet everyone else in the club, but at the same time I think it is more of an investment in your future and your future health if you can afford it! I will not be joining at the moment, but hey-that could change anytime if I decide I should be on a health kick.

The Sundeck in season on the East Bank rooftop

Showtime Cycle Studio

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The North Outdoor Pool

Meadowlark Golf Course

3.8

(24 reviews)

15.3 mi

Course was in good shape and staff are friendly. It's unremarkable to play but generally wide open…read moreand easy to walk. Pace was slow. Plenty of carts available. There's a grill setup on hole 4 with all the usuals you'd expect and the porta-potty is accessible from a couple different holes. The clubhouse bathrooms are gross. Price is good.

9-hole course. The staff is very accommodating and nice. No external alcohol allowed, but they do…read moresell snacks and drinks on site. Golf carts available for reservation. The brush around the course is pretty thick because it's located in a forest preserve, making your chances of losing balls higher.

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UIC Student Recreation Facility

(28 reviews)

1.7 mi

Great facility open year around BUT CLOSED FOR SCHOOL…read moreHOLIDAYS! Spa and sauna are super nice. The rec app says there is a Pilates reformer but no classes to sign up. Testing to find out if true.

**UIC Swim Classes: A Budget-Friendly Option for Kids**…read more We enrolled in UIC Swim Classes for our 1.5-year-old and found it to be a solid, budget-friendly option. At $22 per session, the classes offer structured swim lessons at a more affordable rate compared to other local options. There is a chill vibe that works great for a 1st learner, but the level of rigor is lower than Goldfish so we switched there once we got off their wait list. Classes are sold in 5 week packages, and reschedules are not typically allowed. The class structure follows a set sequence of exercises. Instructors are friendly, but engagement is inconsistent. While they guide kids through various activities, the level of encouragement and feedback varies, with some instructors mentally checking out after providing initial directions. The UIC facility itself is quite nice - The water is comfortably warm and there are changing areas. Parking is available but paid for a few dollars. Note that your access is restricted to within 15 minutes of class time, so don't go too early. Though there are fewer opportunities for underwater practice and confidence-building dips, the parent/tot classes are primary about getting your kid comfortable in water. Overall, UIC Swim Classes deliver decent value for the price, though parents seeking a more intensive training that will get kids swimming faster may want to explore Goldfish.

The front desk area with a climbing wall. Pretty solid and clean!

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Pool

Rock The Night 5k - races - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Rock The Night 5k also viewed

Chicago's Perfect 10

3.1

(16 reviews)

A year later and not much has improved…read more No expo at Navy Pier this year instead we had to pick up our packets at various running stores, which I didn't mind since I was in and out, but every year they said we need some sort of identification and not once was I carded. I even picked up 3 other packets and they didn't even bother to check if I really knew these people. Last year I complained how ugly the blue race shirts were for the 10 milers and this year I ran the 10K so I got a black long sleeve with a silver front, which wasn't too bad but you're telling me the shirt you gave me was a large? Circulations in my arm felt like they were cutting off and it was tight in the chest area. I decided not to exchange size, which I should of because around mile 4 the neck part was irritating me so badly that I had to continuously pull it away from my skin. I ended up with burn like marks on my lower neck area due to the poor sizing and cut of the shirt, which has NEVER happened to be in the 15 race that I've ran with race shirt provided to me. The race started half an hour late, which I didn't mind and I like the 15 minute gap for the 10mi and the 10K it helps alleviate congestion. The course was the same as last year, however, my biggest complaint is there was a split towards the end of the bridge and some of us went to the left while some went to the right, quite a few of us on the left thought we went the wrong way so we started jumping the fence only to find out we were able to connect at the end, but where was the guidance to avoid such mishap? The lakefront path is way too crowded for the amount of runners registered and the race wasn't even sold out. I felt sorry for the elite/fast pace runners who had to weave in and out of people on their way back. I was glad to finish when there weren't too many visitors. By the time I left Navy Pier and runners were still finishing I felt sad for them because you only knew they were runners because of their bibs, the course should of been fenced off so they can be recognized instead of being mixed in with everyone. I felt like no one cared about them anymore because they're at the end of the pack, which is something you should never feel in a race. The medal was a lot smaller than last year but it does spin although I'm still leaning towards last year's better, but they did take into account of identifying 10k finishers with a red ribbon and 10 mile with a blue. The volunteers passing out the ribbons were just handing out the medals instead of making sure the runners got the right color. Great amount of bagel and bananas for finishers. Would of love a water bottle instead of water in a cup. Overall, this has to be least favorite race. I love love love the fact it starts at Navy Pier but the organization of it needs improvement.

10, yes. Perfect, no…read more I will cut the organizers some slack since this was the race's first year. Overall, the race was fine, but there were definitely some kinks and quirks that need to be worked out. The biggest kink was not the organizer's fault; a few days before the race, the park district forced them to move the start time up an hour. They sent emails and posted notices on the race website; I'm not sure how they could have handled this better, but I know that it was still a frustration for many. 1) I liked the small size of this race, especially because it was the first year. I don't think the race sold out, but the planned cap was 4,000 runners. The small size prevented bottlenecks where the course doubled back; had this race been any larger, it would have been a total clusterf@ck on the narrower portions of the path - especially since the path is still technically open to the public. 2) I don't feel like I got a ton of bang for my buck. I realize that as a late registrant, I paid the priciest entry fee ($70), but taking everything into consideration I don't think this race was worth any more than $55 tops. 3) The expo was unnecessary; there were only a handful of vendors there (Zipcar, Sprint, hippy runner, and the people who are always selling food, clothes and shoes). In the future, they should solicit more booths or scrap it. 4) The goodie bags were a disappointing compilation of race flyers, a coupon for a McGriddle - that had to be used at the Navy Pier McDonald's that day before 10:30, and one sample of Biofreeze. I didn't get a race map in my bag, I found out later that I had to grab one from the info booth at the expo's entrance - lame. 5) The long-sleeve shirts were nice, but the blue 10 mile shirts were kind of ugly; the red 10k ones were much nicer looking. In the future, they could get away with a single shirt for both distances. 6) The medals were nice, but on the website under the FAQ's it said there would be a different ribbon to denote 10k and 10 mile medals. It's not a big deal, but this didn't happen. 7) Updates to the website were poorly maintained. When I didn't get a map, I went to the website and pulled up the map. Not entirely sure exactly where the start was located on the pier, I scoured the website and found nothing. When I checked out the FAQ, I saw this question submitted by another runner, but never answered. In fact there were a number of good questions asked, but never answered. 8) There were plenty of water stations, but it seemed like majority only carried water. The few that did have sports drinks were pretty tight lipped about it - weird. 9) There was only one timing mat, which meant that there were no race splits. It also meant that you could easily cheat by turning around at any point and no one would know. 10) There were plenty of bananas, water, and photographers at the finish line. The weather couldn't have been better for race day; sunny and not too cold, but in the end this race was only ok; however, it has potential. If they work out this year's kinks and make it a better value, it just might be perfect next year.

Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10k

4.2

(6 reviews)

C and I did our first 10k and in Chicago no less! Truth be told, it was pretty awesome. Never…read morethought I would want to run during my vacations, but I've been getting more into these types of runs lately. This one went pretty smooth and organized I thought. We registered pretty late, so our 10k cost $65+fees. The race included gender specific tech t-shirt, medal, free hot breakfast buffet (taco shell, eggs, potatoes, sausages, salsa, French toast, BACON, fruit cup, water bottle), a pint of beer from Lagunitas, timed chip, photographers, bag check. I'm really glad we had this in our itinerary, it was so fun! You get to run along Lake Michigan. Con: packet pick up be prior to race day at Fleet Feet or $25 for will call pick up day of race.

I have run this race twice. Once when it was the Magellan Chicagoland Spring Half Marathon…read moreback in 2013 and another time most recently in 2016, Michelob ULTRA Chicago Spring 13.1 & 10K. This is a half marathon, just thought I would point that out, which starts on Lake Shore Drive path along side Dusable Harbor. You head out south towards Soldier Field and McCormick Place until you get to 47th Street where you turn around and come back. The course is relatively flat, as is all of Chicago, but there are a few dips and climbs when going over bridges or through under passes. Be ready for great lakeside views and it will probably get a little warm during this May race. There are a good amount of aid stations, water, and time clocks throughout the course. You won't have many spectators as it is an out and back course. There are only a few spots with entertainment/cheering sections. The CSHM finishes in Lake Shore East Park. Run just past the starting area, under LSD, and up a slight hill. Round a corner and you are home free. This race has great giveaways. Starting with the full breakfast plate, you get two beer tickets, and all kinds of free treats. They provided wet towels, Drink Body Armour, bananas, chips, fruits, and more. It is a well timed race for those who have been training all winter and want to strut their stuff come spring time. There is a series which includes this race and the one in September.

Chicagoland Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

3.0

Very nice course . . . I can say that now that I've recovered from the mini hill at mile 10.5 over…read morethe highway and the slight incline the final 2 miles. Well organized. Enough water stations. Minimal bathroom lines. Only complaint is with the hoodies. They are too feminine. My wife says thanks!

The course through Busse Woods was nice. It is a small race so for me being a slow (12-13 minute…read moremile) runner, it did not work. I ended up running most of it by myself with very little people around. The volunteers were poorly trained. I got stuck on the course and they did not know how to radio a ride to help me. The course was confusing and not clearly marked. I think if you are a faster runner and can stay with the main group this is an okay race but not for a slower back of the pack person like me.

New Year's Eve 5K

This Review is for the New Year's Eve Run & Walk 5K-December 31. 2021=for January 1, 2022~ Yay!…read more 5K Walk and Run for ADULTS ONLY! THE RACE STARTED THIS YEAR AT 9am! (Obviously-there was a short staggering for those more experienced runners)-but from the Mindful Walkers Corral B- it was a short time...after they left! Small Number of People Participating- But still maybe from looking at the bibs only under 600 people. (FYI-Only confirming from Bibs that I witnessed) Finish at The Theater on The Lake...ends with a glass of Champagne (or other adult drink options sponsored by their Sponsors-Tito's Vodka, Corona Beer, etc.) and a Finisher's Medal! Plus the "usual" Bananas, Apples, Gatorade, Water, etc. +They offer small breakfast options for purchase that are reasonable. ALSO-the venue offers outdoor and indoor options for seating to enjoy the lakeside view of Lake Michigan. LOVED THIS 5K/RUN and WALK- Why- (as I think of them not in Chronological Order-sorry!?) 1. They separate the faster more experienced runners from those that are walking "Mindfully!" 2. Great Music all the way through! From Start to Finish! 3. Great location at the Theater on The Lake-Bathrooms, etc. 4. The Course at this point in time allows individuals to see things differently- *BIrd Nests in the Trees (without leaves)/Sculptures/Architecture, etc *The Water Stops! 2x along the way on the RUN *They Announce Each Individual's Name at the end of the Run=STELLAR FYI-It appears that there were only 500-600 Runners=Good Space Time-Especially with Covid-and in the future.. About the Neighborhood- * There are soooo many things I never knew about this neighborhood- Like:-Golf Driving Ranges, Small Restaurants, Serious Gym Areas for People in the Public Parks...many places to walk dogs...AIDS PARK BEING BUILT, access to stadium sitting along the water, among other options. I highly Recommend a Walk in the Neighborhood)...even if you are NOT interested in the race. But there is a beautiful history of Chicago too- -The Lamp Posts -The Building Architecture -The Good Food-that is now Global! Many Things....very mindful for those of us who are NOT COMPETITIVE..but a true arena for ALL of US to be Successful! AFTER THE FINISHING LINE- * Your Name is Announced * You are entitled to a Mimosa, Hard Seltzer, Corona, Tito Bloody Mary and other drinks at the Bar *After Race Treats-Bananas,Apples, Protein Drinks, Bottled Water... *Free Pick-Up From Gear Check ALSO BREAKFAST IF YOU WANT TO STAY AND HANG OUT (you have to pay for the breakfast!)=but under $10.00! FYI-According to the MC-This was an amazing year "weatherwise"-42 degrees-the sun came out and most of the participants were wearing puffy vests, sweatshirts and leggings! WILL DO IT NEXT YEAR IN A HEARTBEAT- From the Pickup (At Lululemon-North Avenue Chicago) to the Finish=STELLAR! It appears to be all about ADULTS who want a chance to run/walk and enjoy this amazing part of our city=Lake Michigan and Chicago views...and positive attitudes! And Local Sponsors are willing to MAKE IT HAPPEN! THANK YOU! -

Rudolph Ramble

4.7

(3 reviews)

*Information from site*…read more 2015 Beanie Hat - 2 designs to choose from DO-RITE DONUTS, coffee and cider for every finisher Holiday themed marketplace featuring local food and craft sellers On course carolers from Lane Technical College Prep high school Whether you run, walk, or just stand and cheer, you are invited to participate in Chicago's Most Festive 8K and make spirits bright for youngsters in need by making a donation or contributing a new toy to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. The Rudolph Ramble 8K is a winter wonderland of music, local food and craft sellers, freshly prepared winter treats, holiday decor, photos with Santa and more. The Donner Dash is designed for children ages 2 to 12 years, and takes place on a loop course on the running path with the start and finish in the heart of the festivities. The race will be staged in the following heats: Each child will receive a shirt, commemorative Donner Dash Medal that (doubles as a great ornament) and a candy cane.

My cousin and I ran the Rudolph Ramble 8K in December 2014, and it was the best organized run I…read morehave ever done in Chicago! Admittedly, we really, really lucked out with weather as it was 50 degrees in December. And perhaps because it had snowed 8+ inches the prior year, participation was down (not sure, just a guess), meaning that the course was not overly crowded. I particularly loved that the race was mostly along the Lakefront path, but we weren't tripping over other runners. Like most Chicago races, the course was flat. Fleet Feet did a great job with entertainment. Santa was on site posing for pictures pre- and post-race. There was a very large inflatable Reindeer, also great for photo ops. The race kicked off with the singing of the National Anthem and Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer. The atmosphere was very festive - I love the holidays! Results were up on race day. Gear check was not crowded, and there was plenty of free food and Gatorade at the finish. The token race gift was a cute winter hat - a nice change from a t-shirt. I'll be running this race again, though I'm guessing most December days aren't so warm!

Elvis is Alive 5k

When asked if I was going run the Elvis is Alive 5k, I could only respond with one of my all time…read morefavorite quotes -- "Yippie ki-yay mother f---er!" (Deepak Chopra's concluding remarks at my college commencement). The race costs $33, is at beautiful Diversey Harbor, and has a small participant group. You are guaranteed to have a blast, but resist the urge to shout "This race is the master race and superior to all others!" because that will probably get you in trouble (unless you're in a Paula Dean restaurant). Couple of notes about the race. People who dress like Elvis get to start first. However, there are no corrals, so if you don't have a costume, or you move slower than Adele's metabolism, stay towards the back. This race isn't timed but there are timers at the start and every mile in between. If that isn't enough to figure out your time, just focus on keeping your drool cup tied tight and not acting irrationally violent when someone finds a quarter behind your ear muffs. Also, I noticed many of the runners wore bright fluorescent shirts representing the recipient charity, the Team to End AIDS. Or was it called the Team With AIDS? I can't remember! Good thing I used plenty of hand sanitizer when interacting with them. After the race, there are tables piled high with peanut butter sandwiches, bananas, watermelons, Clif bars, and pretzels. This is a welcome sight if you gave it your all. Probably less so if your bulimia is acting up. But then again, how badly do you want to be a Theta?? There also also trash cans piled high with water and Gator-ade. Amazing considering I just read a book about this place where kids have to fight to the death with primitive weapons just to win sustenance for their hometowns ("North Korea -- The Untold Story"). The after party also includes a stage with singing Elvis impersonators. It's great because I had no idea Elvis was the guy who originally sung some of those songs. I thought "All Shook Up" was just a poorly chosen selection on the "Deliverance" soundtrack. They even sang non-Elvis songs by the Stones or CCR. Just a suggestion for next year, though -- I'd like to see Elvis takes on slightly more modern stuff, like the Milkshake Song or any track by Two Live Crew. I thought the good vibes were captured when one Elvis exited the event and exclaimed, "Elvis has left the building!" Everyone laughed, although probably not nearly as much as when that phrase was first declared (by the coroner when asked "How is Elvis?").

Abbott Chicago 5K

The Abbott Chicago 5K is held the day before the Chicago Marathon and its a great opportunity for…read morethose running the marathon to get in a pre-race shake out run through the downtown streets of the city. When I ran it in 2022 there were over 8000 runners and it sold out quickly. It was a sunny morning but really cold and chilly. Definitely woke me up! The wool beanie hat they gave out came in handy to keep my head warm. Nice finisher medal too. Good crowd support for a 5K race.

I ran in the first annual International Chicago 5k in 2016…read more This 5k race is a part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. It begins at Daley plaza, the old start line of the marathon, and traverses down under the El on Lake Street all the way to LSD path. From here you run down the path the length of Grant Park and after a couple of right turns you finish on Columbus Drive. The focus was international participants and the announcer recognized runners from around the world. The race runs long, at least mentally, as the stretch down Lake Shore lacks any distractions. Most people probably used this race as a shake out run before their marathon race the next day. As a spectator it was difficult to see off your runner at the start line and then make it to the finish line in time. And when you did make it to the finish line, the "viewing" area was less than ideal. Runners receive a neat Chicago themed beanie at the end of the race.

Ditka Dash 5K

4.3

When I first heard about this 5K and saw the fun swag we would receive (T-shirt, adhesive mustache,…read moresunglasses and a beer ticket) I knew I had get IN on it. I mean, it's DITKA! Online registration was a breeze, but the event sold out quickly. You also got to choose your time start by the hour and by the time my friend and I registered, the only available start time was 1pm. I really wanted to star earlier, but I think it kind of worked in our favor--more on that later. Packet pick up was only available at Soldier Field's United Club. If you had to drive, they offered discounted parking at the Soldier Field lots. Pick was was really easy. It was very organized and we got our bibs and swag very quickly. I know this was the inaugural year for the Ditka Dash, but I hope they can offer mail-in packet pick up in the future. The race is run on the Lakefront path starting at Soldier Field, going south and then looping back on the same path. Because it's the lakefront path, you have to be aware of "regular" runners and cyclists that might be out doing their own fitness thing that day. Because of that, I think that our 1pm start time worked well because it was mostly Ditka Dash runners/walkers that clogged up the path. That being said, it was hard to pass up runners/walkers because you only have the path to use. This is not a timed event, just the digital clock at the start and finish of the race. The pre and post race area was a lot of fun. There was a band, booths selling Ditka T's, a photobooth, food stalls and the beer truck. How perfect that you can purchase post-race eats like Chicago Style hot dogs, chili, Polish sausage after running your 5K. Since we were in the last wave, my friend and I joked that we'd be so slow that everyone would be gone by the time we finished our course. But not so, there were still a lot of people hanging out, listening to music, taking pictures in their best Ditka poses. Very lively atmosphere. The post race volunteers handed out water, fruit snacks and granola bars once you crossed the finish line--that was really unexpected, but very nice. It was a really fun event (coupled with gorgeous weather that of course Mike Ditka probably had a hand in planning). Tons of photo ops along the lakefront, friendly and fun atmosphere. I'd do this run again.

Fun concept...but holy moly is it crowded...and there were a TON of walkers at this race…read more They redeemed themselves with free beer and a good band at the end of the run. Gear check went really smoothly. TONS of port-a-potties. Lot's of fun give-a-ways. Not a runners race at all...

Soldier Field 10 Mile

Fantastic event! So wonderfully organized! Hope to experience this again! Perfect way to honor…read moreyour veterans!

Champions Run 10K & 5K