Latest reviews by Jenny Banaszak Louzon
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This was my first half marathon in 3 years. I wanted to write the review while it was still fresh in my head. I have the goal of running a race in all 50 states. My in-laws live in Indianapolis and so I decided to run the mini. I also started with a goal of 2:05 and realized during training 2:15 to 2:20 was more realistic. and realized by mile 5 finishing was the only realistic goal.
I was unaware it was the biggest half marathon in the country, or that the course was so great. you had to use a seed time to get placed, or you would be placed in the 5th wave. I did not realize till a few weeks out that there was not race day packet pickup, there was also no bib mail out option.
I was driving in from Chicago, and would be cutting it close to expo closing time. Luckily my in-laws were able to get my packet. I did not go to the expo but heard it was awesome. the virtual goodie bag got you discounts to many races.
I used an older race time, but it somehow got me into the first wave of 5, and corral d out of z.
The race started at 7:30, and according to my bib I started at 7:33. And I did start at 7:33, I was 45 seconds behind the clock.
When I got to the race it was almost a mile walk from wave 5 to wave 1, I was dropped off about 2 blocks south of wave 5. I got there at 6:50 thinking I would need the time. The 5k went off at 7am, so my wave start was not set up yet. After the 5k went off the amount of 5kers that were showing up 10 to 15 minutes after the 5k started was astounding to me, what was even stranger was how they just let them start.
Once my wave was set up it became very clear to me I was in the wrong wave, I was near the 1:35 pace group, I had not run an half in a very long time, I had also only ever run under 1:50 once. On the plus side I could see the elite runners and Meb was running.
The race start did have great energy and the port o potties were very clean.
Once the race started, I knew it was not a great day for me, Chicago had a cold spring and it was about 30 degrees warmer then what I did my long runs in. I also was committing race no-nos to me, I was running in someone else's shorts, and using products I had not tested prior to race day.
However I was able to enjoy the run as much as possible for being over heated. There were so many bands and various forms of entertainment on the run, early on were bagpipes, country line dancers. SO much crowded support. I have done several Rock and Rolls and I will say with confidence that this course had more bands then the Nola, Las Vegas and Chicago Rock n Roll course.
There was a pit stop every mile, and I use intervals run 6 walk 1, which turned into run 4 walk 1 because of how bad I felt, but they were so close together at some points, it seemed like I was continuously hitting them right when my run interval started adding more walking to my running.
Just before Mile 6 to about Mile 8.5 you ran on the Indy 500 race track.
It was such a cool experience. You ran into the tunnel and Hoosier cheerleaders were there, then once on the track there was about 1/4 mile honoring fallen soldiers. and right before mile 8 you could kiss there track. I am unsure how I was able to get down and up to kiss it but I did.
My one issue was my stomach started acting up early on, and the race track I literally had no where to go, so I had to walk more to try to clam my stomach down, and because its black top I felt extremely hot. There was really nothing that could be done from the race stand point, there were bathrooms before and after the track. The run back from the track to the finish went quickly, there were even parts on the way back with sprinklers to run through. The finish had the checkered flags and a great view of the city as you ran over the bridge.
The finish line was a little congested. But overall I had a great race experience, and have only good things to say about this race. And there was a party in the park. I will say I could not find a beer, but maybe I did not look hard enough. Overall for such a big race, I was impressed with the aid stations, and course entertainment and overall organization.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
As far as I can tell this was my first Cara race. It was no frills, which was nice. And the race management was actually super organized.
What I loved: the finish was awesome I loved running up the mini hill at Montrose then finishing on the track. I liked Montrose Habor there was ample parking even though I got a ride there. I don't normally like the shirt, but they offered a hoodie. They also offered a medal.
I felt this course to be very no frills. I saw two aid stations, the start was instant, I didn't even hear the gun go off and people were running. You had the option to not get a T-Shirt. I originally clicked the donate your shirt option, then when I realized it was a hoodie, I emailed asking to change and they replied back to me instantly. For the fact that the run was on the lakefront path, it never felt narrow or overcrowded even with all the other lakefront traffic.
What I did not like: I do not like going to road runner to pick up a packet. The Store is hidden in a not easy to get to location, It also is just weird I don't understand why all there gu flavors are in one big basket unorganized. I mentioned I loved the finish on the track, Well I didn't love after I finished the line to get a bagel/ after race food. It was too long for me to wait it. It was also super windy, and chilly out. I kept seeing runners with the foil blankets but was not offered one, and unsure where to get one.
I finished very back of the pack, and it was a smaller race. I was under 11 minutes miles, but the race was small enough that about 85% of runners finished before me, meaning there was not a lot of race support for people running slower then a 10:30 mile.
Overall I liked the no frills feel and the price was amazing for a 10 miler, but in a sense you got what you paid for.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
So I have done this run several times, at least 3 maybe 4. It has switched to Ram Racing race.
Race T-shirts are not a big deal to me, I honestly never wear them, so I did not pay attention to the swag/shirt.
One thing I like about this race is how local it is. It is about 1 mile from my current apartment. I forgot to get my race packet on Saturday. I left my house at 7am Saturday to walk over(though I did notice actual parking available while walking over) By 7:25 I was at the race and had my bib, and had used gear check.
It was pretty awesome, It was a cold morning but there were many different vendors out making for a great race after party.
I will say I know there were water stations on the course I never actually noticed them. I liked that there were corral starts. I felt even with the race it was slightly crowded at the start. It is a fun, fast course, with easy access and a good price point.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
So This was my first race to kick off 2018, I was using it as my first long run training run for my half marathon training.
Pros: You get beads, its an easy to find, flat course. The aid stations were fine.
Cons: February races in Chicago can be hit or miss. Considering the long winter we had, race day was warmer then my April 30th 5k.
I was able to get my race packet at the Fleet Feet in Old Town, which is half way between my house and work, so easy to pick up. I don't remember any memorable swag. I do remember the finish line was a lot of energy, and ever type of snack cake you could want. Besides the donut 5k, I don't remember race with so many options at the finish line.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I will definitely give Race Management a thumbs for packet pick up, parking and buses, and the finish line. even aid stations were great. The starting line was dangerous, took forever to start and very crowded. There are two distances for this race and they start together. a 2.75 and 4.6 miles, how they separate although it is well marked it is easy to switch distances. I was registered for the short course and felt good at the split and ran longer. This was my first race in Indiana and I was pleasantly surprised with the Indy running community, and for a race of this size, midwest largest turkey trot how smooth everything went. It took me less then 5 min to get my bib. And the race is fun. The course was awesome.