half marathon along Lake Michigan

I can’t say that the Chicago Spring Half Marathon was even on my radar until a free code for the race started circling on social media. I looked up the race and proceeded to register assuming the free code would NOT work. But it did work and all of a sudden I was registered for a half marathon on the Lakefront Path in Chicago.

That short window where they offered the race for free resulted in a sell out for this race for the first time in it’s history. While I got in for free with a lot of other people, I had other friends who didn’t get thru during the “free” window and they in turn paid to register in order to join the fun for the day. It was a brilliant PR move and to be honest, had I not had the free code, I wouldn’t have registered. I’ve ran several races on the Lakefront Path now and well, they are generally over crowded and not too much fun. This race, as well as 13.1 Chicago, seem to be the exception to that rule. Both races have an elaborate corral system, stager the start between corrals and manage to keep the traffic on the path controlled ~~and enjoyable~~.

And the views are pretty cool too.

The race also offered potties, aid stations and medical support every 1.5 miles or so. There were 2 fueling stations offering energy gels. I also saw at least two Race Guards running the race and offering support to runners. I saw a lot of my friends thanks to the out and back course. Yes, I may have ran the Chicago Lakefront Path a billion times but the views ~~and seeing my friends race~~ never gets old. Xaarlin was also out there taking photos with her Super Pooch. Thanks, girlie!! And my apologies for spotting your pup before I even saw you. Smile

The race was a simple out and back. About a 10K out and then back with a little zigzagging thru a parking area to get back to The Park at Lakeshore East where a buffet breakfast awaited our finish! Nice!

It was a great day to be out and run in Chicago. It was a great race. It was very well organized and I really appreciated being able to grab breakfast without having to wait in a long line. Everything about this race was smooth and easy, and I for one appreciate that. We even got a cool shirt and cool medal (photo of the medal courtesy of Nicole F because I have a mushy brain and forgot to take one).

Lastly, another great thing about this race is that it also offers a 10K so that you friends, who don’t dig the half marathon, can also run! Thanks for going Nicki!!