The Race That's Good For Life 5K was hosted by the Oak Park Runners Club to benefit CARA (Chicago…read moreArea Runner's Association), a non-profit organization that enables local area runners. The race was recently voted the best and fastest in the Chicagoland area. I do agree that it could be the fastest, because I did my best race-time so far. I do not know if I agree that it was the best race I've participated it. However, it wasn't horrible either. It had good and bad things. Pros: Parking was found nearby. Packet pick-up was easy (even if the girl looked at my like I was confused when I said my last name that could also be a first name). Around this time of year the weather is a bit more cooperative. Except for one "hill", the course is completely flat. There was water at the mile marker and water/Gatorade at the finish. Chip timing is used and there are clocks at the 1mi, 2mi and finish line (There might have been one at the 3mi, but I forget). People were handing out roses to racers at the end. Cons: I personally found the scenery to be a little bland since it is down residential streets. The first mile had a significant amount of cracks in the pavement, which made running a bit uneven and hard on the ankles. Despite gear check being associated with the number on your bib, the girl wrote 667 when I was 66, so it took way longer than it needed to for them to find my gear among the piles of bags. Nothing really caught my eye to make me stay afterward and I pretty much left as soon as the race was over. Pro/Con: Separate races for women, men, mother-daughter, father-son and youth. I think that was a pro because it kept the course pretty open. It might be seen as a con for others. All in all, it was a good race and I would encourage people to try it and support a great cause.

There are lots of things to love about this race. There is literally something for everyone…read more Men's and women's races, a kids race, mother/daughter & father/son competitions, a junior jog and even Athena/Clydesdale divisions for those who want to give it a go. And if you don't run, there's a walk too. I have never run a race where they have separated the men and the women but it turned out to be great. The course was wide open the entire way (even at the start) and the flower they give to the women at the end is a really nice touch. Overall, I thought that the course was great. Almost completely flat with lots of people from the neighborhood cheering you on from their homes. Along with the great weather we happened to have this year, it was a perfect combination for a PR. I thought that the organization was pretty good. There was plenty of room to move around in the high school before and after the race, even with packet pick up and vendors located in the same area. I also really liked that they had real restrooms open for all to use instead of porta potties. After the race, there were plenty of snacks and beverages too. My only gripe was with the junior jog. It was a total cluster. We chose this event because our 4 year old wanted to run in a race. He was so excited until it came time to start. There was just a mob of kids and parents outside of the cafeteria with very little organization. It was difficult to hear announcements and lots of kids got knocked down due to the cramped out and back course on the same sidewalk. I have heard that they're working on improvements for next year. I really hope so because I'm sad that this was our little guy's first impression of what a race is like. It was nice that they gave out a finisher's ribbon, though. All in all, it was a good experience. The race is easily accessible by the green line but if you drive there is plenty of parking in the area, most likely due to the staggered start of all of the events. One tip, though, since there are so many opportunities to win awards, the awards reception is quite long and a little chaotic. They do post results almost immediately after the race so it may be best to look to see where you stand before sitting through the madness if you think you may have won something.

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.

I was very, very impressed with this race. One of my goals this year is to sign up for races I have…read morenot done before. I now live in the burbs southwest of Chicago, so I still try to get all around in the city to experience new neighborhoods. The race was a small, neighborhood race. The course was not crowded. It started on Argyle in the heart of the Chinese community, right by the Chinese Mutual Aid foundation. Packet pick-up and parking on race day was super easy. The race started with some speeches and Chinese traditions. From start to finish, I felt it was so welcoming. It seemed that the people hosting the event were very proud of their neighborhood and so hospitable. This made me love the race even more. The race headed east along the lakefront, then south, back north and then back west to where we started. Beautiful path. A local restaurant, Furama, provided some snacks afterward. There was some kid's karaoke playing on the speakers and tables and chairs were provided to sit down and relax and eat the snack. There was also a local dance troupe performing a traditional Chinese dance. Very impressed. Glad I headed out north to the city to experience this one! Will do again!

One of the best fall races there is! It doesn't get much better than this…read more For a very reasonable registration fee ($30), the amenities are as follows: Rockin' goody bag. Actually the bag itself is one of those nylon drawstring backpacks with the Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) race logo on it, stuffed to the gills with fun, cool things. I love a fun goody bag! It sucks when they're filled only with boring coupons and fliers with info about hundreds of other races. My mom, a good friend of hers, and my husband did the 5k walk and so also recieved the same goody bag. We were all tickled. Good amount of parking on race morning - a huge plus. The pre-race atmosphere was awesome. Tons of volunteers, and tents offering lots of fun give-aways. There was the big Stewart's Coffee truck on site; much appreciated by spectators and participants alike on such a cool morning. (I myself, cannot partake of coffee before a run. I won't get into why. But the root word there is "run". Ok, enough of that.) The course itself is stunningly beautiful. As a sidebar, I'd like to thank Mother Nature, and any other participating powers that be for making a perfect day for it. Crisp, chill air. The fall colors. Sunny skies. Pair all of that with running through Oak Park and marveling at the beautiful homes and the equally beautiful architecture. It was marvelous. The course support was pretty unbeatable! It's so cool that SO many residents are out on their porches with flags and horns and groups of people singing and hollerin' to cheer you on. Sometimes you need all the motivation you can get! The post-race offerings were perfect. I stopped at a physical therapy tent to have my stupid, uncooperative, dumb old foot stretched out (plantar fascitis) and the gentleman who helped me easily took about 20 minutes to stretch it, assessed my shoes, and gave me tips and at home exercises. Dang! Very generous. Plus - awesome recovery food. I appreciate that very much. A long review, I know. But there are so many aspects that make this one of the best fall races of all time. See ya next year FLW!

Do not run this race. I have run the 5K for the past 4 years, and I used to love this race but now…read moreit has been taken over by small children. The past 2 years there have been so many children in the race that you might as well be racing the youth mile (that's right, they have their OWN RACE but they still race with the adults). Yesterday a small child was at the front on the start line and he dropped his ipod right when the gun went off. He then bent down to pick it up, impeding everyone behind him. I was hoping he would get trampled just so the morons in charge of this race would get the message: STOP ALLOWING CHILDREN IN THIS RACE. IT IS NOT SAFE. Someone is going to get hurt and you will be responsible. I am done with the FLW Races. Until the race director learns how to put on a race for grown-ups THIS RACE IS NOT SAFE.

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! -

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.

I really liked this race and I'm looking forward to hopefully running it again next year…read more I registered with a discount code and was able to do packet pick-up at the race. They also offered a number of dates where you could go to Fleet Feet and get your gear beforehand. I showed up early on race day and was able to park within 1 block of Registration/Packet Pickup. It was only 2 blocks from the Starting Line and about 2.5 short blocks from Gear Check. Gear Check was also conveniently located at the end of their vendor area, so that was a smart move on their park Like others stated, this isn't the best event to try and PR at, but it clears out after the first mile. As is all too common at other racing events, people love to start out where they can't keep up, despite an official announcement to be courteous to others. I was hoping to do about 10-11 minute miles and went where I was supposed to, but I ended up being held back and going closer to 12-14 min/mi for a half mile and then totally passing up a bunch of people ahead of me and still only averaging closer to 11 min/mi initially. Slower people are also notoriously bad at moving to the right. Luckily, a pretty flat course helped me make up for it down the road. It's a somewhat winding course and lots of neighbors come out to cheer you on. It started out a little chilly but it quickly warmed up. Most of the race is shady, so it didn't get too bad. There's a stretch down Lawrence that is a bit brutal since the sun was shining by then and hitting the pavement. At least that part of the race only lasts for a few blocks and then you're protected by trees again. An advantage of this event taking place in Ravenswood is that there's a lot to do when you're done. If you're faster, you can finish and grab a celebratory pint and/or brunch at O'Shaughnessy's Public House. If you're slower, like I am, you might want to set your sights on River Valley Farmer's Table. They have a great Bloody Mary! If you're feeling adventurous and would like to check out another nearby neighborhood, there's always Lincoln Square. You might even get some ideas of where to go during your run since part of it goes up Lincoln Ave.

I did this run for the first time today. It reminded me a lot of the Bucktown 5K. This was a really…read morenice neighborhood race. They limit the capacity so that it doesn't get too crazy. The race proceeds from the Ravenswood Run benefit the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry at All Saints' Episcopal Church and the Student Health Centers at Lake View and Amundsen High Schools. There is also an optional $10 add on for a pancake breakfast (proceeds also going to the above charity). Plus, the shirt is super cute! This was sponsored by Fleet Feet -they have numerous races in Chicago and they always do a great job as far as easy packet pick-up and race organization. The only constructive feedback I have is that it was very casual and there weren't staggered starts. You could just walk up to your estimated mile time and get in line. Since this year it was so popular and sold out, I would recommend at least a 3 minute staggered starts between the mile times. The first mile was pretty crowded but, entering mile 2, things started to thin out a bit. I think it's fair to say that if you are an "elite" runner trying to accomplish a personal best or even win the race, get in the front of the line. Otherwise, you just run it to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and to simply participate, as I did. Despite the initially congested nature of the first mile, I hit my typical completion time. I'm glad I finally did it and am excited to make this part of my yearly race schedule!

I was really impressed with this event. It was a Monday night after work and wasn't crazy big so…read morethe service was great! Line for the beer and hamburgers was a 2 min wait! We got lucky -weather was great and the route was nice. 1.5 miles south of Soldier Field and back. Very organized and I liked that you could hear all annoucements clearly from the festival area. DJ was great too -had a fun personality and was interacting with the crowd! Happy I tried this one out -will be added to my annual list!