I liked that the race is dog friendly and for a great cause, as I'm a dog lover and advocate of dog rescues. The course is at Brook Run park and had some slight elevations throughout. They offered packet pickup the day before the race so racers received a soft t-shirt and a dog treat.

There seemed to be a lack of organization. At the start of the race, there was a lightening storm so racers had to seek shelter under a gazebo, or make the trek back to their cars. They didn't post live updates on the Facebook, which a lot of racers relied on (I checked constantly and racers were posting asking about the start time). Once the storm passed, there was a long delay due to a lot of people still registering for the race.

Unfortunately, I didn't find the volunteers to be friendly, which really made me sad because I had a couple of friends who worked directly with the organization; volunteers truly make the race. They had photographers but as I scrolled through the photos, they seemed to focus on dogs or families/racers with dogs or certain people. A lot of racers didn't even have one photo of them, me included. I PR'D at this race so it was unfortunate I didn't get a photo finish.

They provided plenty of water on the course, post race bananas, dog friendly vendors, music, and age group awards were spaced out 20-29, 30-39, etc. Again, I like the cause but will run for other dog organizations in the future.

This race took place on Memorial Day. The start and finish was at LA Fitness so there was plenty of free parking and port-a-potties. The race management offered free entry to current or former military servicemen and servicewomen at this event. They had a DJ to provide music and the announcer was great about race etiquette (telling faster racers to start at front, walkers and strollers to start at the back, etc).

The 5K was out and back along a road and the elevation was a good challenge! They offered water on the course, post race bananas, and family friendly fun vendors. The volunteers were friendly and they posted live results! Every racer received a finisher medal and top age group finishers also received awards. I would run this event again!

I ran this race in 2012 and I'm glad I picked such a huge event for my first half marathon! I traveled from GA to Chicago and really enjoyed the host hotel. We were able to walk to the expo and not worry about tiring our legs. The expo was fun. There are lots of opportunities for great photos, lots of gifts and clothes to choose from.

We got dropped off at the starting line and took a taxi after we finished so I can't comment on parking. After training on the hills in GA, I was pleased to run in Chicago. It was held in July so it was hot but there was a lot of hydration provided on the course. Plenty of entertainment and folks cheering on the runners. At the end, we received free beer, and Starship Cobra provided live entertainment! Finishers earned a medal and shirt.

This race will hold a special spot in my heart because it was my first half marathon and it was well ran. I can't wait to run it again.