Run From the Cops 5K

7.9 mi

Woo Hoo! My 600th review! And I'm pleased to present one of the most fun things I've done this…read moresummer so far. Dirty Girl is a ladies only obstacle mud run. 5K, 12 obstacles. A non-timed event and meant to be a fun run that you can take at your own pace. It was my first obstacle run and I loved that it was girls only--I ran with a team. I definitely think running this with at least one friend is the way to go. I've done regular 5K's by myself, but it's great having someone supporting you as you climb, crawl and slide. And who else is going to tell you that you still have mud on your face when you're still trying to clean up after the run? The obstacles were not hard physically. But once the day gets started the obstacles get muddier and more slippery. So the hardest one for me was the high cargo net climb, just because of my fear of falling onto hard gravel. Other than that, they were just fun climbs and crawls. Other than running, I trained for this by following my toddler through several playground equipment obstacles and I was just fine. Hahaha. This event was held at the Lake County Fairgrounds and although a few of us on our team tried to run as much as we could to challenge ourselves, some of the areas were not easy to run opon. The grassy areas were fine, but there was some gravel-twist-your-ankle-type areas. So walking was inevitable. They suggest arriving there 90 minutes before your start time. Check in was a breeze and we had a lot of down time before hand. But it was nice to get pics done in our clean team shirts before we got all messy. I loved my swag--t shirt and bracelet with a running girl charm. There was a secure bag check and a "shower area' for us afterward. I use shower loosely as it's just a bunch of hoses and cold water--but the tent is huge and although by the afternoon the ground is full of puddles, but I appreciated the astro turf they did lay down to prevent muddy puddles. Some of my observations: I don't know how full the heats get, but I'm glad we got there early because we got to start 20 min earlier than our team start time. Bring some water in a gallon jug and check it in with your bag. It was nice to have some clean water immediately after the race to clean my hands and wash my face since I was getting mud in my eyes. Don't wear anything you are worried about ruining. Even though we wore matching T-shirts, I knew they'd get muddy so we made sure the shirts were not too expensive. Budget some time for the after party. Paul Mitchell was one of the sponsors and they were fixing hair afterward. Have Fun!

Biggest Loser 5K

9.0 mi

This was a pretty cool event. I have not been to the Six Flags theme park in at least 6 or 7 years…read more I'm pretty sure the last time I was there, the water park was not even built yet! The race was very well organized and was not crazy at all -I would estimate that there were about 200-300 participants or so. I like that it was not crazy like some of the bigger downtown Chicago races. The first mile was through the parking lot; at mile 2, you enter the park. It was super cool to run through the park and see how it has changed. The water park portion was so extensive that I definitely want to go back next summer. -Not just for the water park but for the rides too! I had no idea of the additions and remodeling that had gone on. Running through the entire park brought back so many childhood memories for me. It was crazy to see all of the old structures still there as well as many new rides and attractions. If you are looking for some new "scenery" during a 5K, this was a cool event. My only criticism is how they handled packet pick-up: it was only 12-3pm on the Saturday prior in Gurnee. I had to work that day, and when I left to try to make it in time, there was a torrential rain storm and I had to get off the highway. However, I'm proud of the way they handled it -my friend who did make it out to Gurnee said they will let you come to the race early and pick up the packet beforehand. So, that's what I did. No long lines, no drama. Again, a unique event for those looking for something different than the typical neighborhood race.

Chicago House Run

31.4 mi

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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Ohare Run On The Runway 5K

18.4 mi

This was a pretty cool race. I have to give them credit -it was super well-organized. We got there…read moreabout an hour early to park in the lot with a shuttle bus that takes you to the start. My parents came to watch and I didn't want them to have to walk very far and this was an excellent service. The other lot option required you to have to walk about a mile, which is too far from them. The only bummer -and this is probably for safety reasons -was that I thought the planes were going to be taking off and landing closer to us. You know how you drive on I-90 or Mannheim Road and the planes are literally 10 feet over your head? Yeah -call me foolish, but I thought that was going to happen as we ran. I just assumed that if they got that close to the major streets, they would just be taking off and landing close to the route. So, you will not be experiencing that -but as far as a unique experience -this was still a cool race. There is a big plane that you can pose next to for pictures and just overall an interesting event because you are accessing areas of the airport property that most people will never see. You are literally running on a runway they close for the event. The shirt was cotton -would like to see a "tech-T" in future years, as they tend to hold up better after multiple washings. After all, it is going to be a fun shirt to wear and a great conversation starter regarding our experience!

In line, about to start. It was fun to see a lot of airline employees, ground crew and flight attendants running this race!

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Syttende Mai Run

4.5

(2 reviews)

79.3 mi

This is a classic Wisconsin running event. The 20 mile run has a long history but there is also a…read more10 mile run and 17 mile walk affiliated with the event. The course runs from downtown Madison to Stoughton. Race is part of Stoughton's Syttende Mai citywide festival, so when you finish the race you can have some fun at the festival. The course is very hilly. Participation in the 20 mile run seems to have slowly declined over the years (which I would attribute to the non-traditional distance (i.e., it is not a marathon), adding the 10 mile run, and the difficulty of the course). Entry fee is reasonable (~$60). There is no finisher medal, but you do get a short sleeve tech t-shirt for finishing.

This was perhaps one of the best races I've ever experienced. Located in a quiet room setting, very…read moregently rolling hills provided just enough challenge To make the course something I will remember. I absolutely love this race and hope to return next year and for many years after.

Tough Mudder Chicago

59.1 mi

Wow! This was quite the event. It was my first time and I most certainly had a blast. I will be…read moreattending these events every year from here on out. The most important thing about it is that it isn't a race but more of a spiritual journey (to me at least). I was able to tap into my inner being and push into the unknown. There were so many motivating people there especially the person who hypes you up before starting the run. The obstacles were amazing and definitely hard. The run itself was challenging but worth all the sweat I produced LOL. Parking was super easy and not congested (luckily). Finding the place was a bit confusing as the address provided takes you to the other side of the airport so you will want to make sure you check the signs and get there a bit earlier for your race (maybe get there an hour early to ensure no hiccups in finding the place. You will get very very dirty hence the name of the event. You will be challenged and pushed to the edge but it is worth it. The other mudders are there to help fallen folks and folks that require help getting over obstacles - I felt like there was a huge sense of community throughout the whole thing. All in all, I had an amazing time and the end of the race was the electric obstacle. I got shocked right in my butt and it took me down so be careful in making your decision LOL. Enjoy the ride and go for it :)

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Firecracker 5K

8.6 mi

This race was great and you truly felt the community coming together to show their pride for…read moreHighland Park, the Firecracker 5K, and specifically S.M.I.L.E., which is a program that provides funding to help disadvantaged youth participate in activities and events that they otherwise couldn't afford. My husband is very passionate about their cause. We parked in the park parking lot and didn't have to walk very far to the building where restrooms, registration and packet pick-up were. They had race day packet pick-up, which I always appreciate when these races are so far from home. The only thing I would recommend in regards to that is having better signage since the sign and arrow for that was close to the ground and easy to miss when people stood in front of it. I made a couple circles around the event area and that building before realizing where to go to get my race bib and goody bag. The goody bag is primo, by the way. It's a high quality gear bag and I will use it for all of my races until it dies. The shirts were nice, too. I'll likely donate mine, though, since it's a bit big and I have more than enough. I prefer medals. This race was not chip timed, but they did keep track of people's times to the best of their ability. They timed me at 32:48 and my Fitbit (usually accurate within 1 second) read 32:45. This race is difficult. You start out in a field, so you're already on less than ideal ground and it only gets harder from there. The first mile has low incline, rolling hills on the paths through Sunset Woods Park and the paved streets of Highland Park. You run into some small potholes and cracks, but it's nothing to be incredibly worried about. You'll be more concerned with the steep hill you have to climb halfway through the course. The good news is that you get to go really fast down the steep hill right before it. And the rest of the race is a lot like the first mile since it overlaps a bit. The after party was fun and casual. Their A to Z Entertainment DJ was great. I didn't do well enough to place and I didn't win anything from the raffle, but I got a free snow cone. I consider that just as good.

Amazing Milwaukee Race

(3 reviews)

55.1 mi

Modeled after the television show The Amazing Race, the Amazing Milwaukee Race is the local version…read moreof the race. Trust me, it's a lot of fun! The Amazing Milwaukee Race is a great way of meeting people and to learn about Milwaukee. It also brings more awareness to community activities, various restaurants, non profits and places you probably would never have visited otherwise and make a difference in the Milwaukee area (such as donating to the Historical Society to upkeep a memorial, building a prop for a local acting company, or spruce up a wall of a school by painting it). Per The Amazing Milwaukee Race's facebook: "Teams of two experience Milwaukee landmarks and businesses on an amazing urban adventure with clues: activities, puzzles, & checkpoints that challenge participants to get from start to finish. Inspired by the TV show's design, it is a one day "Amazing Race."" I strongly recommend you participate in it to not only learn about Milwaukee but just to have fun!

I attended a conference here and thought it was a cool site for a group of 40 or so if you like…read moretrendsetting. The event ran smoothly and they never ran out of refreshments

Little Bear Garden Park

4.6

(28 reviews)

12.6 mi

I've been hearing about this park for a while and we were able to take a visit over there today…read more I'm glad I knew what I was looking for because Google Maps was going to take me to a small playground on the other side of the school, rather than Little Bear Park which is on the very corner of Patriot and Chestnut (and is almost entirely fenced in, which makes it attractive with little kids). The Little Bear Park is actually a section within the larger Gallery Park, so you may need to put that in if your GPS is confused about LBP. This park was established as part of the redevelopment of the military airfield in Glenview. Overall, I was disappointed in the park, but there were some things I really loved about it along with those that left a bit to be desired. First, it looked like a gorgeous, romantic garden like you might envision from an Austen novel. Truly a beautiful setting, with a small hedge maze and a several picnic tables. Quite an idyllic little spot within the larger park, and ostensibly where it gets the "garden park" part of its name. There's also a really awesome water feature here. It's really large, and unlike some "splash pads" that are little more than a tall pipe sticking out of the ground, this one had several arms coming out of the ground of different heights. It also had some water coming from spots in the ground, for a lot of different ways to play. My kiddo got soaked and loved it. Sadly, the playground section looked kind of old and worn. It has a cute castle/medieval theme, but all the play equipment was quite faded. Of more concern was that the playground terrain, which was that composite rubbery stuff, was broken off in quite a few places; more than once my babe brought me small or large pieces. Seems potentially fraught in a few different ways, but it was weird since in all the parks I've been to with that kind of ground cover I haven't seen chunks of it missing throughout the playground. There's lots of parking at/around this park, because it shares space with a middle school and park district headquarters. The playground itself isn't the attraction for me--though if we are already in Glenview, I might stop--but I would absolutely return for a beautiful picnic in the garden, and that's what really makes it shine.

Heads up if your kids like swings: there are none at this park. But there's a cool splash pad, a…read morehedge maze, a play structure, and a huge sand pit area.

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Spray 'N Play

4.4

(18 reviews)

4.8 mi

For toddler aged children, this splash pad was a dream! Everything was low to the ground and able…read moreto be reached, there were lots of buckets for transfer play, and plenty of areas with lighter splashing water. My son (almost 2yo) had so, so, so much fun for about 3 hours! He came home absolutely exhausted- a mom's dream for a good nap! It was $4 admission per person, which I found totally cheap! They have plenty of picnic tables to eat, as well as areas to park strollers and lunch bags. There was also lots of seating available if you wanted to sit and watch your toddler play (especially helpful if you're pregnant and need a little break from standing!). The bathrooms were small, but clean. Honestly, all of the essentials were available and it truly made for a great morning!

What a cute place for kids to play! Perfect for toddlers or younger kids. Great on a sunny hot dayread more

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Rosewood Beach

3.8

(34 reviews)

10.7 mi

Getting beach ready! Not only myself (preparing for a summer beach vacation), but Rosewood Beach…read morerecently got a clean up and seemed ready for visitors. It's been awhile since I've updated my experience at Rosewood. This review is based on a recent walk I took to get some fresh air and much needed exercise. After parking the car in Downtown Ravinia and walking to Rosewood beach and back to the car (round trip about 1.3 miles), I noticed a bunch of beach updates that are worth mentioning. First of all, gear up, because the beach is open this year and you'll be able to swim! It's a private beach and not free, so you'll have to follow this link (https://www.pdhp.org/beaches/parking-2/) for resident and non-resident fees. This year you can purchase a swim pass and a parking decal. I entered via the dirt path that leads down to the beach so I could make my way back up the stairs for a good stair climb. The path was nicely cleaned up and breathtaking all on its own. Surrounded by lots of foliage and overlooking the ravine, I walked until I met up with the beach boardwalk. The boardwalk is all cleaned up and nicely refreshed. Looks like it did when it first opened! The beach sand is all freshened up and ready for summer. The play structures for kids are covered (but not sanitized). The best part? The steep, really-great-for-your-legs staircase now has handrails! This is such a huge plus for when you can't quite make it up and need to lean over a rail to hold yourself up (don't judge). It was a nice quiet walk, since the beach isn't actually open yet, but it will get crowded for certain. Parking lots have meters.

Amazing that I can walk here from my house. I am very lucky to live here. This beach is amazing,…read moreyou get great views of Chicago, Waukegan, and water. The recent remodel and rebuild are beautiful. It is nice and quiet her in the winter, all you hear are the waves, the wind, and your breath. Wait until spring!

Covered but there's a sign that says not sanitized.

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Kids buried in the sand. Good thing they have a shower!

Half Day Forest Preserve

4.6

(13 reviews)

2.0 mi

A sensational park, trail, nature reserve that has been a gem for decades. As a kid, we would often…read morevisit the forest preserve to fish, go on the playgrounds, bike the extensive well-connected trails, walk..so much memories here. Great spot to host a cookout or party with their rental shelters too. Happy to see it still functioning for many folks after all these years. Wish Charleston, SC had preserves like this!

There was a wedding reception (dinner and dancing) held in Shelter A and B of this forest preserve…read more As a former Illinois resident I thought the wedding party would be uncomfortable, given this time of year. But I was wrong! Both the weather and surroundings were beautiful; I heard they sprayed for insects beforehand as well. Many picture opportunities. Open enough to enjoy the rest of reserve and share the good vibes with passersby. Some bees came out but only when we were already packing up. Maybe more available parking spaces would've been nice. Other than that, it was a good time.

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Lake Bluff Hub and Cycle

Nate was great, he was able to change a pedal and crank on my son's bike without a problem. He…read morechecked to make sure the bike was safe to ride and found I was missing a part. He provided the part and I was in and out in 30 minutes. Highly recommend.

This store is a good hole in the wall. One side is bikes and the other side is food…read more Used bikes are still good quality and for a good price. Very friendly atmosphere and it's all thanks to the great employees. It's the only bike shop I recommend that's near for my friends so they don't buy some okay quality bikes from other big chain retailers.

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Forest Park Beach

3.8

(15 reviews)

7.3 mi

I fully admit that having teenage boys at home during the pandemic has been a lot. At some point…read moreeach day, my hubby and I get in the car and talk through all our troubles (translation: complain about having children) while driving up north along the lake. We often end up parked in our car staring at Lake Michigan at Forest Park Beach. We're convinced that all the other couples we see there are also doing the same thing ;-) Last week, our laziness and overwhelm forced us to get out of the car and take in a fresh air walk along the lakefront. We walked south past the concessions and over near the boating facility. We typically don't leave our car unattended, just in case we might get a ticket. We took the risk, and it was so worth it. TBH I don't think they are monitoring the parking lots or ticketing right now, but I'm not 100% sure. What an absolutely gorgeous discovery! We honestly felt like we were on vacation (without kids). The air was fresh, the water was fairly calm, and we felt grateful to be living near such a beautiful oasis. Along the walkway we discovered a play area for kids, boats ready to launch, a covered area with picnic tables, tall lampposts and pristine landscaping. At the very end of our walk was a goose waiting for her goose companion to come back from sea (lol). We learned from a local that the goose had been there for a few days. Anyway, the sidewalk came to an abrupt end, something like out of a Shel Silverstein poem. We turned around, took a deep breath, and received a call from one of our sons that he and his brother were about to bring a bunch of friends over to our house. And just like that, our peace and calm came to a stop. Until next time...

Lake Forest Beach is a public area with fees incurred for public access. I am a person with a…read moredisability and unable to walk far distances and can not use stairs (age 59) female. I was harassed/shamed when I requested a reasonably accommodation to be dropped off/picked up. I did not ask for entry/parking. All I wanted was a small accommodation to be dropped off and picked up. I was harassed and wasn't allowed to be picked up due to my disability. This is a violation of the ADA (American Disability Act) and was discriminated against due to my disability. LFB is considered a public park and was in violation of my rights as a person with a disability. I understand there are rules and I just wanted a reasonable accommodation to be allowed to be dropped off and picked up not harassed and shamed and left standing in the heat while my husband explained the situation. He showed the gate guard a copy of my "Illinois ID marked as a person with a disability." Beach management need to educate their staff as to making simple reasonable accommodations for people with a disability. They (staff) have no rights to judge and disregard persons with a disability. Such can be reported and subject to significant fines and lawsuits. I suggest ADA compliance and policies for persons with a disability are seriously reviewed and followed according to the American Disability Act. This should NOT have transpired and was humiliating, to be honest.

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Ultimate Ninjas Libertyville

4.2

(22 reviews)

3.3 mi

We went to a 6yo birthday party there this past weekend and it was clean, well set up, and the kids…read morehad a blast! Most importantly, there were staff spotting the kids, coordinating games in an organized and structured way, and helping out in the party room. Would highly recommend this location!

This may work for adult fitness, but I don't think it was good for a kid's birthday party. All of…read morethe apparatuses are way too advanced for them. It's basically parents walking around hoisting their kids onto equipment that is behind their scope, and then having to hold them. There were no organized activities, save for the dodgeball game at the end. Even then, you couldn't even hear the instructor give directions. They would be better to have microphones. Instructor didn't seem like she was enjoying herself at all (no smiling). We started out in one area and then moved onto the next. My kids were bored in 10 minutes. They therefore went back to the first area, only to have an employee scold us for going back there because "it was already cleaned for the next group." We had no idea they were getting ready for another party. Again, it would have been better to politely say in a microphone prior to moving (so all can hear) that "we are moving on to another area and to not go back to the former as it's being prepared for another group." When we got to the eating area, one of the employees was so intrusive with the bussing of the table! She kept reaching out under *everyone* to get every little wrapper, juice box or a plate that appeared finished. For the love of God! This was so aggravating and other parents noticed as well. At least twice I had to tell her that my kids weren't finished. You couldn't even set something down without fear it would be taken right away! Another thing I found rude is that the employee announced coldly that the kids "couldn't get the cupcake until their pizza was finished." What the hell? This was not enjoyable at ALL, and my 2 boys (7 and 8) did not like this place one bit. We felt shoed out the door. Suggestion: Have employees who actually interact with the kids with organized games. Employees need a microphone as well, for announcements. Smile and cease the cold and demeaning comments. When in the eating area, PLEASE let parents and children eat in peace. Clean up afterwards, not during!!

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Run From the Cops 5K - races - Updated July 2026

People who viewed Run From the Cops 5K also viewed

Firecracker 5K

Victory Park

Victory Park is a small playground near the hospital. Recently renovated to be modernized. Has 2…read moreswings, 1 baby swing and 1 adult/infant swing. A climbing net structure and playground with 3 slides and different ways to climb up. It's for the older toddlers kids mainly. It's clean but not a lot of shade so in the heat of the day it is hot.

New Year's Day Paddle

21st Annual New Years Day Canoe & Kayak Paddle on the North Branch of the Chicago River!!!…read more Wow! For the first & hopefully not the last time;I am completely impressed with an event pulled off by the Cook County Forest Preserve (Illinois) folks. Every New Years Day you can drive your canoe/kayak up to the south launch of skokie lagoons (just off of Willow Rd. east of 94) and drop it off. You can then drive your car 6 miles SE to Linne Woods in Morton Grove (W. of 94 on Dempster, N. side of the St.) and a yellow school bus brings you back to your boat FOR FREE! It's all free!!! Cook County Forestry Folks are on hand to help you put in, help you portage at two small dams, help you out & take your picture at the end, AND PROVIDE YOU WITH HOT CHOCOLATE!!! The 6 or so miles will take you approx. 2-2.5 hours with minimal paddling. You'll meet like minded folks either passing you by or floating lazily along. Many folks rented canoes from Chicago Canoe & Kayak for a nominal fee. Some folks dusted off old aluminum camp and church group canoes. Just remember to dress really-really warm, bring a spare set of clothes in a water proof bag in the event you take a dip, and pack your good humor because it's the middle of winter!

Spring Egg Scramble

We'd planned to go to this last year but had to go out of town, and I'm really glad I remembered it…read morethis year. It was fantastic, and I understand why I've heard from more than one person that it's their favorite easter egg hunt to attend! This one is held by the Niles Park District. It's held at Golf View Rec Center/Tam O'Shanter Golf Course. They must have been doing this for a LONG time because it was so well organized and to my eyes everything went off without a hitch. When we arrived, there were folks directing traffic (park district public safety? Niles police?) and there was copious parking, which I'd been concerned about since there's not any street parking available around here. There was a long line to get in when we were arriving and I wasn't sure if we'd actually get in in time, but by the time we walked to the further lot to the entrance of the space where the hunt was held there was no longer a line. Upon entering, we got a bag with a toy in it (this year, at least, it was a bubble dispenser which my daughter is having a ton of fun with). We checked out the egg pen and then I saw that there was face painting, so we went over for that and got some bunny whiskers (well, full bunny face, actually). They also had refreshments, which wasn't much but was welcome, of donut holes, coffee for those who drink it, and capri sun for the kids. My daughter rarely gets juice so she thought she hit the jackpot before the main event even began. For the 1-2 year old pen, at least, it wasn't overly crowded. All the kids got lots of goodies, I think. My own wasn't even moving that fast but she had a basket full of stuff when we got home. She is a fiend for lollipops, of which there were many scattered about, so she was not even interested in the eggs until I was pointing them out. The eggs had things like little toys or stickers in them to complement the candy out and popcorn bags out in the open. Everyone seemed to be having lots of fun, and there was no fighting over any of the stuff. Heading out was easy too. The crowd dispersed pretty quickly after it ended, but there was no problem getting out of the parking lot--no big traffic jam or anything to contend with. The egg scramble is open to both Niles residents and non-residents, though you have to create an account with the park district and you can't register on-site. The cost was under $15 for the event even as a non-resident, so it's one I'd be happy to take my child to in years to come.

IHMEC 5K Race for Humanity

3.0

The 2nd year was not run nearly as well as the inaugural event…read more Parking was a bit farther away, but still very close. We had no trouble finding packet pickup since I was familiar with where it was from last year, but they had trouble locating me on the registration list since it was listed alphabetically by last name but then repeated for some reason, so I was in the second set of names and it took a while to figure it out. I got my goodie bag and... we got regular t-shirts this time. Nothing special. I'll be donating mine. The course was set up slightly different and they had porta potties in the lot along with the breakfast burritos and donuts, but it wasn't near the start/finish line and announcements weren't made there this time either. I felt it made it easy for the vendors to be overlooked, which is unfortunate. Announcements were nowhere near as grand as previously. They started the race about 1-2 minutes ahead of schedule and my husband said people at the front of the line weren't even sure if they were supposed to go initially. We went from stages and microphones in 2016 to a man with a megaphone at crowd level in 2017. You couldn't hear a lot of what was said or sang. The race itself is basically the same. Besides the start/finish in the lot instead of the street, it was the same course. I will say that conditions were better since some of the roads have recently been repaved. If we're being completely honest, I'm not sure if I'd run this race again under normal circumstances but I feel the cause is worth supporting.

King Chaos

3.0