This 5 mile race is nice whether you're a walker or runner. This year it was held at Montrose…read moreHarbor. They provide stations throughout the race for electrolyte drinks and water. The post race party is cool too with a mechanical bull. The race benefits Gilda's Club. The race course is mostly flat with a few hills (nothing major) however there is one part by the beach where you run through the sand between mile 3 and 4 and they can do without that, especially it was rainy on and off. Otherwise I recommend.

I ran the Cinco De Miler today and had a great time. This year it was at the Melrose Harbor/Beach…read morearea. There was limited parking in the area and so I parked at nearby Weiss Hospital. They had closed off access to the pay parking lot entrance so that was a miss. The vibe was fun, and there was a mariachi band to boot! After running five miles, you are greeted with a finishers medal that also doubled as a bottle opener. The post race party had breakfast tacos and a beer (or Moscow mule) included. You could order additional food and drink, but had to purchase prior online. The packet pickup process was pretty smooth. I was in and out in 10 minutes.

This is an excellent 5k Turkey Trot on the far Northwest side of the city. The start and finish…read moreare right in the main area of Edison Park near all the restaurants. There were 7,000 runners this year so the start was very tight. After the 1st mile of so it opened up and you can run comfortably. The course is flat and winds you through the neighborhoods and back to the finish. For $25 or so you get a shirt and bib, no chip. There are clocks at each mile and a water station near St. Adalbert's. There are lots of cops around to keep everything civil. This is a fun way to get a little activity before your turkey dinner!

This is a fun Thanksgiving morning run. Registration is very reasonable (~$20) and registration…read morecomes with a long sleeve cotton t-shirt. Race is not chip timed, but they do have time checks at a few points along the way. Course is flat as a pancake (as you expect in Chicago). There is an enormous amount of runners, so if you are looking to run hard / fast make sure you make your way to the front at the starting gate. A lot of crowd participation along the course. Jogging strollers are allowed. Need to find on street parking for the event in the neighborhood if you are driving, so allow yourself a little extra time for that. Fun little kids race proceeds the 5K. Local businesses (pubs) open up early for folks to grab a beer after the race.

I was inspired to get into running after I saw that movie about that mentally-handicapped guy who…read moreran really fast and ended up joining the football team. You know, Rudy? But when it comes to RAM Racing, you could say I have a love-hate relationship (similar to when I dated that bi-polar woman). I'm happy to say they got this race right, though. Packet-pickup was at the event, held right next to Soldier Field. They even changed the event name (formerly "Terrapin 5k"), joining a long list people enjoying success after a name change (e.g. Christopher Kutcher, Elizabeth Fey, Osama Seacrest). For participating, you got a long-sleeved shirt with the race's slogan, "Run, Rock, Relax," but it was obvious that people were taking it easy. Many drank their free beer before the race, thus carrying on a tradition of athletic events in/around Soldier Field where people were just there to have fun and couldn't care less about the outcome. Of course, the notable difference is this athletic event wasn't a Chicago Bears game and these people weren't the Chicago Bears. The race is divided into corrals. Corral "A" is where you find all those folks who put stickers like "26.2" on their cars' back wind-shields. Even though I ran in corral A, they were sold out of those stickers when I went to the store. Luckily the store had a few "Total Douche" stickers still in stock. If you're not a runner, corrals go all the way back to "L", where we are reminded that it is difficult to get a second wind when you never experience a first one. The race around Museum Campus and back to the stadium is easy enough, and at the end, you receive corn and a hamburger, served to you on a Frisbee. Man, that took me back to college, and the farcical lengths people went to save money on plates. Also, it reminded me how much I hated eating at our cafeteria. The "Rock" part of the race is the post-race band, "Big Head Todd and the Monsters." The event offered a $25 entrance fee for those people who were only there for the after-party, which I thought was good. It would have been unfair to make Big Head Todd and his monsters pay the full fee considering they didn't even run. I'm sure the band was not accustomed to playing in front of so many in desperate need of a shower, but at least now they'll be ready for those gigs at retirement homes or in eastern Europe.

About a week before The Morton Arboretum Arbor Day 10K Run I did the Rockdale Ramblin' Run, which…read moreis supposedly the toughest 10K in the Midwest. I'm not fully convinced the title has been appropriately appointed. It could be that I was still sore from the first big run, but I found the Arbor Day 10K to be a bit tougher since it was a lot of low-grade inclines and rolling hills instead of a few big ones here and there. My Achilles tendons were not amused and I ended up having to walk for about 2 songs in my Spotify 11 Minute Mile Playlist. Still, I finished this race in 1:14:06 instead of 1:16:01. I attribute this acceleration to the fact that gravity works in your favor coming down a few of the steeper slopes. Weeeeeee! The course is what makes this worth it. It's absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend running its sister race, the Fall Color 5K. Your entrance into the race gets you and your car buddies free admission to The Morton Arboretum afterward. I haven't taken them up on this offer yet, but maybe I will after the next race. I think it's a wonderful option. The Post-Race Party is OK. You get a tech shirt from your goody bag but there aren't any medals. They gave out large cartons of water but the food portion consisted of only half a banana and big ass bagels... I burned almost 1,000 calories, can a girl get some cream cheese and a whole banana? ... Nonetheless, all was forgiven when The Hot Sauce Committee took stage and provided the live entertainment for the event. Parking is pretty easy. They've streamlined the process, so you get in and out quickly. I arrived about an hour before the race started and didn't feel rushed.

This is Illinois. The flat Midwest. I don't do hills…read more Apparently, Morton Arboretum didn't get the memo. Hills, inclines, twists and turns. This course definitely challenged my strength and endurance. It was definitely a slow (uphill) and crowded start but typical for any race. Just when I wanted to quit and walk, a cheery volunteer would stick out a hand for a high five and BAM I got my second wind. Water stations were located at the start, mile 1.5, mie 3, and finish. Strollers are not allowed, but I did see 2 pass me by. Damn those fast Lululemon moms! The $33 registration includes free parking and a tech shirt (fits very large! My husband ended up wearing my size small). Finish line. Plenty of water to rehydrate. Whole Foods had a tent set up with bananas and bagels. Athletico had massage tables set up for after race stretching...I did not want to get off the table! Dick Pond also had a tent set up with merchandise for purchase.

Can you think of anything better than this: "Breakfast of Champions" breakfast of eggs, meat and…read moreBEER? Probably not! I like running, eggs, meat, and I really love beer so I signed up for the Champions Run 5k. I'm a huge fan of ASM because they know how to execute a fun race. They had a Groupon for the Champions Run (score!), their races aren't too big (no bottle necks on the course), I love their dri-fit shirts (better then most races), they have great partners who have pretty sweet giveaways at the end of the raced (5 hour energy and Skinny Water for this particular race), and I got a finishers pint glass at the end (don't forget your ID in your car if you want your free beer, damn). ***I didn't eat the food after the race because I was muddy, sweaty, and just wanted to get the heck outta dodge, so I have no comment on the food***

The big hype for this is that Chicago is the biggest running city and this group hosts the famous…read moreChicago Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series with a half marathon in August. The new Tune Up Series in June was supposed to offer a taste of what Rock 'n' Roll offers. If this is all they got, I'm not ready to Rock and my list of complaints goes to 11. 1) Parking was a major drag. I showed up with what typically would be more than enough time to park and pay, but the machines in the lot were slow as molasses. They would be much better off making a deal with whomever owns the lot and charging a flat parking fee, say $2.50 or even $5. I'd rather pay $5 than have wasted 30 minutes in line at the pay box. 2) This is another race that organizes bibs by numbers and not by last name. I don't want to have to think about my number. I know my last name whether I'm half asleep or wide awake. 3) I hate races that won't spring for timers at each mile. Letting runners know their time at these marks is crucial to helping someone pace themselves. I don't think they are THAT expensive. I've seen them at races that cost less money and had less attendees. Get on it! 4) Where's the music? I was promised music along the way. One DJ playing top-40s is NOT music along the course or a taste of what the 1/2 Marathon offers. Or is it? I'm confused. One DJ around the 2.5 mile mark and then a band singing covers of some Rock and Country songs at the end does not a Rock 'n' Roll party make. 5) We're near a beach, so I know the track won't be free of debris. But for the love of all that is holy, get a shovel and relocate some of that sand toward the end. I did Warrior Dash on Saturday. I'm not looking for more obstacles. 6) Finish line refresh area was way too small. They had you get in and get out. I was able to grab one bag of Pop Chips and almost didn't get my medal. I wasn't even able to get my banana or water and had to rush out of the pen to make way for others. It was backing up like bad plumping. 7) They had a table full of extra medals after the last person crossed the finish line. I asked if I could have an extra for my scrapbook and I was turned down. They all say "Rock 'n' Roll 5K 2011" on them. Are they really going to use them for something else? They better melt them down and recycle those or I'm pissed. They had no problem handing out extra stupid flip flops with their 2011 logo on it. 8) Most inefficient way to serve beer EVER. Beer bottles were glass and the servers had to open each one individually and pour it out. Just give me the glass bottle, get plastic or kegs next time. They dumped a bunch of the bottles into a larger can while I was there and one broke and hit me. Also, they lied about where friends and family were allowed. I was told they were able to go everywhere except the finish line pen, and Amy H. tells me non-competitors were not allowed in the beer pen, which was all the way at the other side of the race site. 9) Music was so loud we had to go to the beer area to hear each other. I dunno, I guess they are trying to rock it out. But this clearly is not a rock concert and I would like to speak with my fellow competitors. 10) The vendors there were pushing their goods WAY hard. I like to get a little info and see what's what. I do not like to be guilted into buying something or signing up for things I'm on the fence about. 11) Most races like this go until about noon. Almost everyone was gone by 9:30am. That should say something. I was able to find my car with no problem because the lot had practically cleared out. Sorry Tune Up Series, for all the buildup and the price I expected to Rock 'n' Roll all night and party everyday.

This was my first 5K so I can't compare it to others, but here is what I thought…read more Pros: - flip flops (even though the ones I got are way too big for me even though I asked for my size) - medal (honestly what other 5K gives you a pretty cool medal?) - cool t-shirt (also gave away free t-shirts after the race) - the course was relatively flat - easy and cheap parking! (got there around 7ish and parking lot was empty so I got to pick my spot and had no problem with the parking meter!) Cons: - where was the music?! - running in sand is NOT fun - bikers are mean! okay, I get it maybe they were training, but hello we were running a marathon! - free beer, great that its free, but not great that you're secluded from everyone else! the information label of your name, dob, etc on your bib should suffice as an ID as most runners don't run with their IDs so a lot of us left because we didn't have it on us. Overall, I did enjoy the run and I do wish it's back at Montrose Harbor next year because of easy parking (downtown is so expensive!). However, somehow close off the route for the allowed time because other bikers and non-competing runners can get annoying.

One of the best experiences to kick off the end of summer!…read moreThe event was very well organized. It was a Chi -Lite Wonderland. Before the race started, it consisted of the event MC throwing glow-neon merchandise (mohawks & glasses ) into the crowd and sporadically tossing glow sticks. There was a count down before the race started and we were released into several groups and not all at once, which was smart in avoiding a horrid stampede. There were swarms of bubbles, neon paint being splashed on the runners by other random runners. There were check-in points along the race to rehydrate with water & bottled Rockstar gatorade. The drinking cups matched the shirts of the servers. The creative aspect of the event was phenomenal. Umbrellas hanging upside down from the ceiling that were lighted with neon bright lights combined with a water pond of colored lights! The price ticket was $44 ( including taxes etc) Great deal. There were picture booths to capture the moment as well. Ending the race with a rave was perfect. I saved the majority of my energy for the end. At one point, the DJ stated that the Fire Marshal wanted to end the rave earlier than the crowd anticipated but I guess that crowd wasn't "having any of that" so the party continued and lasted a bit longer.

It's a glow-mob mentality! (Yup, heard it, don't care. :-P ) Fantastic event! I hope to do this one…read moreevery year as a sort of end-of-running season finale. It was just so fun! Yes, the $50 price tag is a little steep, but the payoff IMO is well worth it. Consider that you are usually paying $25-$40 for any other walk/run registration, & with this one, the $50 gets you an awesome DJ, music & laser light show- plus funky glow shades, an LED bracelet (required for entrance), and a cute & cooler than most Electric Run t-shirt. Register early. Pricing is date/tier structured. I paid $40 or $45, it went up to $60-$65. There's a diverse crowd, all ages, all strengths, set your own pace. I'd say skip all their overpriced glow/light up accessories. Instead, stock up on your own from party stores, dollar stores & Halloween stores. However, test the glow-in-the-dark makeups before the event, as the gel I bought from a party store was supposed to glow & glitter, but didn't. Try to get glow accessories that require very little assembly! LOL We spent about 45 minutes at the event trying to "break" the sticks & putting our stuff together! We never even stretched, ran out of time. Battery-operated has a nice ring to it! I'm going to start searching for inexpensive items now for next year- & those you can use again, as traditional glow sticks, you can't. Invest! :) I want to do this event every year! This is not a bib/chip-timed event. It's much more of an experience. People are encouraged to dance, & to stop & look at & take your own pics at all the displays along the way. There are some really great photo ops, believe me. Packet pickup is the day prior (or race day- and I saw no long lines for it race day, FYI, thowe were told there would probably be), & no check-in or corral assignments. You just show up with the required bib & LED wristband & line up at will. Easy. The course is pretty well laid out, with only a couple areas where I felt like a hamster on a wheel, like the part where where it was a big parking lot & we were mazing repeatedly thru as if we were waiting in line at an amusement park. But the majority was more well-thought out & the views were spectacular! My favorites by far were all the green & purple lit paper lanterns in the trees, & walking under the "rain of light" canopy, as I like to call it. Side note: how can I incorporate this in my master bedroom?? I did have some anxiety- hi, have we met? I prefer to walk/jog/run on smooth surfaces. I do not like potholes, cracks, puddles, curbs, gravel, sand, mud, quicksand, time-warps, vortexes or the like! (Well, let's be honest; who doesn't like the Time Warp...it's just a step to the right...) Thankfully, this course was very good for the most part. There were, however, places where it was almost complete darkness, but still lots of people. It's a little unnerving not to be able to see the ground in front of you, but I seemed to be the only one acting like I needed to press the call button at an assisted-living facility, so I'm pretty sure I was in the minority. Plus, the hydration tables were awesomely stocked with glow cups of water, but as usual they just get thrown on the ground (why are there never trash cans??), so you have to be careful not to trip or slip there-- & organizers, how bout we don't choose an area going down hill when there's water & objects on the ground in an almost pitch-black tunnel? Just sayin'! I have one major & one minor complaint, & here's where ER lost a star. MINOR: The after party was inside which was fine, but it was HOT & stuffy. Bring in some fans. I think they sell them at Target. MAJOR: the ridiculously long, slow & understaffed lines for drinks at the party. This event attended by 10,000 people was sponsored by Southern Comfort, & we were all set to do a little drinking. WHERE were the BARTENDERS?? I am not exaggerating when I say there were 2 lines with one bartender each. Lines extended across the width of the great hall we were in. That line...did. not. move. Remember when Grandpa Morty bar tended your cousin's wedding reception? Yeah, it was like that. They really lost out here on so much money. A lot of people, my party included, skipped it. I'm pretty patient with most things- que sera sera, right, but we didn't want to stand in those lines when we could've been dancing. Next time, ima bring a flask. Haha Don't, they do search your bag. (Speaking of that, there is no bag/gear check, so pack light. So much easier not to be carrying anything.) I have really enjoyed the 5/8K's this spring and summer. I have never enjoyed an after-race more than this one! There is nothing quite as fantastic as you nearing the finish line to see the show/lights/crowd in the slight distance waiting for you. I felt like I was entering the party at Zion in The Matrix! Lol And I only picked up a mild contact high, just for a sec, & then my dancing frenzy resumed... increased...enhanced...improved? Well, anyway, it was super fun!

If you're looking to do something different for Halloween versus going to a haunted house or a club…read moreparty, sign up for the Rosehill cemetery 5k! I finally got an opportunity to run this event after years of procrastination. Was it cold? Yes. Can you dress in costume? Absolutely! The only downside this year was unexpected rain. The forecast had 30% chance rain for the evening. I thought, a little sprinkle couldn't do any harm right? I was wrong! Not even a mile into it, I was running in pouring rain which lasted through the entire race and hours after. Light spotty sprinkles eventually turned into large cold, wet drops hitting my forehead and cheeks. I was in costume and although I looked glam at the starting line, I finished in a drenched costume with makeup looking like Carrie. Despite crappy weather, it didn't dampen my spirits. I had fun. It was dark but the path was lit in some areas. A few cemetery landmarks and prominent tombstones were illuminated. A number of runners decked themselves up in lights, headlamps and glow sticks. Not for look but for function. I would've preferred if they offered a sunset to evening run. It's massive and there's so many interesting tombs to see. At some point I felt like the running path was near a pond and a chapel. All this would've been great to view had there been some daylight. The finisher medal was not what I had expected. The medal itself, although pretty, was made out of rubber and not actual metal. Unique for sure but I expected a medal with heftier quality versus cheap plastic rubber. The race's after-party was held at the Fireside Restaurant. It was a 5-minute walk from the finish line. Included in your race fee is a free beer. Just present your beer ticket (came with your race bib) at the tent in their outdoor grounds. The race offers a dinner at the tents for an additional fee. We pre-paid online for it when you sign up for the race. At $14.00 per person they offered a vegan and non-vegan option. We ended up ordering the non-vegan pulled pork sandwich with side of mashed potatoes and gravy. Our meal was delicious, filling and we had leftovers afterwards. The parking situation wasn't awful. We arrived about 25 minutes prior to the race start and luckily found free parking on Ravenswood along the cemetery's perimeter. From our parking spot, we had a short 10-minute walk to the starting line. I'm sure if we were late arrivals, we probably would have to circle the area for a spot. The event ran smoothly and was well put together. Rosehill is a beautiful cemetery. It's the largest in Chicago and one of the oldest established in 1859. Although it sounds weird, I would love to visit on a random day when the weather gets nicer. It's quiet, serene and overall a beautiful resting place for the dearly departed. Look no further for a unique 5K Halloween experience!