I signed up for the International Chicago 5K as a shakeout run for the Chicago Marathon this year. Registration was quick and easy and could be found on the marathon website as well (redirected you to the International Chicago 5K). Register early enough, get your country flag on your bib.

A few weeks before the race, your bib was mailed to you if you were a US resident (international runners including Canada had to pick up at the expo). I think this is a great idea if you’re within a certain vicinity to Chicago, but coming from Washington State, I was paranoid I wasn’t going to back my bib (I worked a 9 day stretch at work before leaving for Chicago, so the fear is real!).

Race itself started in Daley Plaza and finished in Grant Park. Race itself is flat. Be aware that Garmins/GPS are bouncing off the skyscrapers and can have their own issues getting the right distance. 1 water stop on course. Race itself was great though the finish was a bit of a hot mess and overcrowded. They did have food for runners and i feel like if it were bagged up and handed to people as they were coming through it would have solved a whole lot of issues. You also get a beanie hat at the finish which is a fun alternative to a medal. Great way though to be part of marathon weekend if you’re not doing the full marathon or if you’re looking for a shake out run before the marathon.