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Latest reviews by Jeff
Jeff recommends this race
(2017)
"Happy Father's Day"
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A Beautiful way to spend Father's Day. The race supports Family Connections and is a really great small race. Beginning in front of an elementary school in Shaker Heights, the course weaves through residential streets lapping around the high school and then heading back to the start.
The race is very well managed and while there isn't a big budget, there are water stations along the route. Race t-shirt was a cool change from most race shirts. Plus it is just great to be surrounded by Dad's as we all celebrate Father's Day.
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Jeff recommends this race
(2015)
"A great first marathon"
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Chicago is a great race for a first-time marathon experience. Everything is organized so well from the pre-race communication through the finish line. The crowds along the course are inspiring and can help you overcome some jitters. The course is relatively flat so it makes for an easier entry point for a beginner. The scenery and backdrop of Chicago are stunning. You begin in Grant Park just west of Lake Michigan and travel through diverse neighborhoods and architecture along the way.
A few challenges...It is a huge race. If you are intimidated by large crowds this might not be the race for you. With the large crowd, your start is a little delayed. I believe that I was in the starting corral for about 1 and 1/2 hours.
Jeff recommends this race
(2015)
"Wonderful run through a scenic small town"
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A very fun 5k that begins and ends in downtown Willoughby. The course goes through the neighboring streets which were full of well-wishers on the corners. I enjoy running on residential streets during races. There is something very charming about seeing people out on their lawns cheering you on!
The post-race celebration in downtown Willoughby was fabulous. The area is full of small bars, restaurants, and businesses so there is a great energy around and after the race.
Jeff recommends this race
(2015)
"Where is the music?"
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This is a well-run race that starts and ends right in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, that is the only tie into music that I can remember. It was a little surprising since the city prides itself on being the birthplace of rock and roll. The t-shirts were a bright yellow with a Hall of Fame logo. I would have thought that there would be some design elements from the music industry to the swag.
The course is pretty good. Your run for miles 5 through 9 takes you through Rockefeller Park and in beautiful cultural gardens. This is a beautiful part of the course that follows a fairly mundane trip through a bit underdeveloped part of the near east side.