The Rockdale Ramblin' Run 10K is organized by the Joliet Park District as part of the Run3 Series,…read morewhich includes the Sundowner 5K and the Red Eye 8K. Ramblin' Run winds through the paved, hilly streets of Rockdale and Joliet. It is considered "the Toughest 10K in the Midwest" and was quite popular in the 70's and 80's. A 5K option is also available, but is not part of the Run3 Series. I thoroughly enjoyed the run. I did the 5K version of it and found it to be pretty challenging with the steep inclines, but nothing anyone with a little bit of running experience and in decent cardio shape couldn't handle. The nice thing about being in the smaller race was that there were only 102 people who raced, so it left the course clear and easy to navigate. It allowed me to take in the scenery instead of having to worry about weaving through a crowd of runners or being in someone's way. The course is USATF/CARA Certified with time being marked at each mile and at the finish-line. Water was handed out somewhere around 1.5 and 2.5 miles. They also have a number of cops to regulate traffic and medical teams in case of emergency. At the finish-line volunteers handed out bananas, water and super sweet dog tags with Rockdale Ramblin' Run 2011 engraved on them. I wish more races would do this. The after-party was held in a small tent near the finish-line. Michelob was one of the sponsors and they handed out samples of their new fruity beers and cans of their lite beer. A local restaurant provided pastries and bagels. They had a raffle for the school and drawings for prizes. Everyone was super friendly and complete strangers would strike up a conversation. You can tell this town is proud of their race. I recommend it to everyone and it is definitely worth the drive!

This is a fantastic small town race. Might be one of my favorite races ever. It's affordable (I…read morethink $35?), and you get a hoodie, which is a nice change of pace from the usual short sleeve shirt. The course is hilly - but this race is billed as "the toughest 10K in the Midwest," so hills are expected. I thought the course was a nice tour through Rockdale - through residential and park areas, under the expressway, up and down hills. The course never felt crowded. Post-race, you get a little finishers medal - a dog tag, which was nice and unexpected for a shorter distance race. Overall, I think this race is very well done and a great deal for the price. I definitely recommend it.

Except for a year in Florida, I've lived all of my life in Chicago and today was the first time I'd…read moreever set foot in the city/town of Riverside. This may very well be the best kept secret in Chicagoland. Well, it has been for me, anyway. A few fellow Yelp runners and I were looking for a centrally located race where we could all meet and run together for the first time. For some, this was their first organized race EVER! This Riverside event was the first one suggested and after checking out the website, we all agreed it would be perfect. It all started with the price. Only $25 for registration, which included electronic timing, bib and free T-shirt (VERY nice, by the way). An early start (7:30AM) ensured the temperature will be cooler than the predicted high for the day, and the tree lined streets on the route insured it would stay that way. Plenty of winding curves along the way kept us focused on our pace and ample water stations kept everyone well hydrated. Heck, even a few of the residents were out with their hoses spraying us down as we ran by. A very welcome gesture, to be sure! But for me, the best part of this race was the plethora of incredibly stunning homes that lined the course...each one, more beautiful than the last. I think I spent so much time in awe of the architecture and gardens here that the race was over before I knew it, much to my chagrin. After meeting up when our last member crossed the finish line, it seemed we all had the same experience and will definitely be back next year to do it again. Who knows? Maybe even sooner just for a visit! It's hard to imagine another 5K in Chicagoland that's better that the Riverside Independence Day run. This one is sure going to be tough to beat...but I'll keep looking!

The 4th of July 5K in Riverside is my favorite. So far, I have ran it two years (2013 and 2014) and…read moreI plan to run it every year as long as I'm a resident of this lovely town. Race goodie bags are generally pretty good, including items like lip balm and a voucher for a free frapp from McDonalds. Last year, I got a really great coupon that got me $20 a purchase from Sports Authority for items I needed to purchase anyway (biking shorts and a triathlon waterproof watch), so entry into the race practically paid for itself. Every year, the moisture-wicking t-shirts are of high quality. If you're small like me (5'2", 105-110 lbs), I recommend choosing the youth large size shirt. Last year someone else picked up my packet + t-shirt in too big of a size. The volunteers were awesome about letting me exchange for a different size. The course is scenic. You get to run through beautiful Riverside, which has a number of stunning Victorian homes. The course brings you on winding roads, which are characteristic of the architecture of this town (the first planned community)! There are always people sitting in lawn chairs (waiting for the parade) who cheer on runners, which will help you get through it. There are runners of all ages, shapes, and sizes. A decent number of runners with jogging strollers go through every year, which I think is great! For the end, be sure that you're running over the proper finish line. Some people get confused and think they've finished. Watch carefully for signs. There should also be volunteers guiding you to be sure you make it to the finish. Upon finishing, find your supporters in the crowd, eat a bagel and some Gatorade, and stick around for the 4th of July parade and Guthrie Park festivities that will immediately follow!

2011 was another great year. The trail is just as gorgeous as ever and parking was a breeze. I…read moreshowed up 40 minutes early, parked, picked up my packet and got to racing. TMI, but I made the mistake of eating really spicy Indian food the night before and got sick. I was so thankful for the Porta Potty at the 1/2 mile mark. Wish there had been more along the trail or at least one near the finish line. They had ample toilets at the end of the event area, but when I went to use them I felt little desire to walk all the way back to the festivities. Their toilets were still in better condition than most race events'. So why the star downgrade? A couple reasons - Packet pick up was organized alphabetically, but from right to left instead of left to right. I got in line where I thought A might be, but it turned out I was over by Z and had to get back in line on the other side. This annoyance was offset by the chuckle I got from the handwritten MEDIAM on one of the shirt boxes. But the real reason I'm a little pouty today? I ordered (and paid for) a Medium shirt. Medium was written in my registration and on my bib. The woman checking me off even told the guy grabbing the shirts that I needed a "Mediam." So you can imagine my disappointment as I pull out my much anticipated Zorrel running shirt and discover it's an XL.

The Morton Arboretum holds an annual 5K through its grounds every year and I did it, for the first…read moretime, today. As I arrived and later ran, I realized I had never been to the Morton Arboretum before. It is beautiful! The 5K was really great. I would say, my only complaint, is that they should consider having waves or corrals next year. Everyone was released to run at once, which made the path a bit crowded, especially in mile 1. This didn't really bother me because my goal was to take my time and really soak in the surroundings. I do many 5Ks, many of which are on city streets or along the lakefront. -So to do one on such pretty grounds (sort of an open field alternating with a forest vibe), it was really cool. You leave the city of Chicago and you really feel like you are in a whole 'nother world! My other feedback is that I was hoping to see the vibrant hues of the leaves changing for fall (since it is called the Fall Color Run). Everything was still lush and green! -Not sure if it would be better to hold it later in the year? It's a tough call -the weather was perfect today -it was mild (60) and overcast so it made for great running weather. Maybe having it later when the leaves change would lead to much cooler temps? Not sure, but it's food for thought. I'm glad I did it, either way, as it was a really nice event overall. Nice people, well organized and a whole "festival" vibe afterward with many vendors, food and a live band (Soda -a local cover band). Regardless of the leaf color, I will be back for the beautiful, serene run next year!

My son ventured into running longer distances this year and this was his first official half…read moremarathon. As a loving and supportive dad, I made plans to be in town to cheer him on and somewhere between deciding to be there and actually arriving, I along with six of his friends were talked into running the 5K as our way of supporting him. Packet Pickup was at Navy Pier (on the Friday and Saturday before the Sunday morning run) and was well organized. The official packet consisted of a the bib and shirt (short sleeve shirt for the 5K and long sleeve for the half marathon). There were lots of vendors present giving out items, demonstrating products, etc. Overall, it was one of the nicer packet pickups that I've experienced. The official run starts and ends in Jackson Park and getting into the area on race day can be a bit of a hassle. If driving to the area, I recommend doing the VIP package as it includes parking in a lot that is a couple of blocks from the start area. Otherwise, you will be on your own to find parking. The option is to do like we did and take an Uber/Lyft and get dropped as close as possible to the start area. Bag drop-off and pickup was well organized as they had plenty of people working to ensure the wait was minimal. That area also contained many vendors and plenty of porta-potties along with several props for picture taking. Both the half marathon and the 5K start Jackson Park, heading south and ending up on Lake Shore Drive where both runs head north towards downtown and loop back returning to Jackson Park. There were plenty of water stations along way along with numerous spectators cheering everyone on. Upon arriving the finish area there are plenty of people passing out bottles of water, Gatorade and fruit. Post race activities included 'free' food and a beverage of choice. The food quality wasn't the best but after finishing a run it hit the spot. There was a band playing in the area which contributed to the festive, celebratory atmosphere. A big shout-out to Lifetime Fitness (official host of the run) and all the other vendors and volunteers who helped make this a success. Overall, it was a well executed run, and I would definitely participate again...5K only.

I would definitely run this again, and would like to do the Windy City Challenge next year!…read more The packet pickup was quick and easy at Navy Pier, so it was fun to make a day of it plus get discounted parking. It's nice to visit the touristy spots every now and again. We were dropped off by friends familiar with the Southside so that was also easy. The weather for 2013 was warm and muggy but overall not bad. They weren't regulating corrals - if that makes a difference to anyone. I started too far forward and for the first 6 miles EVERYONE was passing me. It was nice to see after the turn around and heading back southbound on Lake Shore that I wasn't last like I believed I was! There was a fair amount of spectators but it DID fall on the same day as the first Regular Season game for the Bears. I suppose we were competing for attention. Best part? Lou Malnati's at the end! Hit the spot! Maybe we finished early enough that things didn't run out. Personally I was pleased with this entire event. Awesome volunteers!

great obstacles, friendly staff, well organized, and an all around good time! I am looking forward…read moreto doing this race again in Orland Park on September 7th!

This was a fun race despite what is said about the location...it's in a neighborhood you might not…read morebe familiar with on the south side but we took the shuttle from Millenium Park and high fives to that- super easy peezy...since there is nothing more stressful that fussing with parking on race morning! The shuttle buses were super easy to get on, no real wait times either to or fro- so that was a great bonus. The course itself was part street, part lakeshore path. If you're a runner in Chicago, you've probably done a dozen races on that path, but luckily, this one is coming from the South Side and it's great to mix things up a bit. This sign had the BEST signs and great spectators and entertainment...even better than Rock N Roll Chicago this year. I got quite a few laughs from this course and really enjoyed my time running the 13.1 Allstate. It was well organized enough to feel "big" but not so big you got frustrated. Very well organized, good vendors/sponsors for race day- and yes, the beers afterwards were totally delicious!

This race has the good and the bad. It is now sponsored by Michelob Ultra instead of Allstate and…read morethey put out a good spread after the race. The area around the race location is kind of sketchy (there is a reason they recommend taking the shuttle), but the location itself is pretty nice. There were plenty of port o potties at the start, but not too many on the course. The course does get tight at spots and there are some holes throughout the course, but it is a more technical course than the spring half (it is out and back, but you do weave through town a little bit). The medals are huge and there is a decent post race party. A nice change from some of the out and back only Lake Front Trail races.

Very impressed with this race. It is a small, neighborhood race. I was surprised it wasn't a bigger…read moredeal in La Grange. It was a beautiful Friday night and was held within walking distance of Lyons high school. Two things were particularly impressive about the race: 1) It was a pretty route, all through the neighborhoods in La Grange and 2) so many kid bands were playing along the route. There was more rock bands than the Rock N' Roll Half Marathon downtown! I can't believe there are so many talented kids in La Grange. It must be a big thing in this community. Very impressed and is being added to my "must do" roster of race events each year!

75$ for riding a bike on lakeshore drive! Very poor…read moreorganization,only water for free, bars, donuts, medal, etc extra$$$

This was pretty fun. I had no idea about the registration and the block party at millennium park. I…read morewas just going out for my usual ride down to the loop and remembered it was going on. So today instead of heading to LSD trail on the park I headed on the on ramp for the highway portion. I guess it started at millenniim park but the closest access point for me was Fullerton. I got on the road at the start so it was pretty clear and fast. Not too many inclines just the FDR bridge over the chicago river was a bit challenging me cause I was riding a single gear bike. I was pleased to get some free refreshments at the rest stop in the park. That Gatorade quenched my first riding the first half. Glad I went early the crowd was much denser on the way back which is kinda why I avoid these things sometimes. You really gotta watch out for people passing on E-bikes, people taking selfies while riding, groups riding on bikes next to each other like the wizard of oz, and of course people who ride slow in the fast lane. But I managed to get through fast and unscathed. It was a lot of fun to ride down for sunrise. Next time I'll have to register to see what included. A pleasant change of route!