The management is unbelievably friendly. There's gear check pretty much right after you enter. But going to Soldiers Field and running through the field is one of the most breathtaking experiences you will have. The medals are always beautiful ( doing this since 2017) and a veteran actually places this on you after you cross the finish line. And one of the few photographees that actually manage to take good pictures of me ( every runner knows the I shit myself look). There's not a lot of aide stations but there's a goodie bag at the end. It's usually boiling outside and they set up fountains, give out ice and gu..not a lot but perfect for 10 miles! I would say this is definitely a do not miss every year.. just a beautiful service for the service men and women.