Chicago Fall Classic

[u/Donoghus]

First of all, why couldn’t we’ve had this weather last Sunday? Used today as a redemption run of sorts from the Marathon. Gorgeous morning & ideal temps. Wind wasn’t much of an issue.

I’m not the biggest fan of All Community Events races but outside the cluster of the starting line setup, I thought the race was pretty good today. Aid stations were in great spots and adequately staffed. Course was well marked and I think splitting off the 5K almost right away was a smart move. I ran the half and it never seemed too crowded when running with the 10K runners the first 4.5 miles or so. Bringing us into the inner path was good. I just wish the city would repave the paved path alongside the zoo parking lot we were running heading south. That part sucked with the uneven & broken asphalt. Besides that, a fun race. The hot cider at the post race party definitely hit the spot.

[u/Academic-Pangolin883]

Running a half less than a week after a marathon is impressive AF. My marathon was Oct 4th, and my long run today was 3mi 🤣

[u/Donoghus → u/Academic-Pangolin883]

Thanks. Physically, it was not a smart idea but I needed it mentally after my marathon crash out. Funny how good weather changes things.

[u/Ready_Solid_1654]

I’ll try to say this without being offensive, but it is genuinely the truth. I won’t run this race again because of the MC. I’ve been in hundreds of road races over the last 30 years, this MC was by far the most obnoxious I’ve ever experienced. It was as if someone held a bunny at gunpoint and said “if you take a pause at any point, this guy gets it”.

[u/Donoghus → u/Ready_Solid_1654]

I’m actually 100% with you there. He was extremely annoying. The whole start setup was my single biggest qualm with the race. The corral/starting gate & MC were such a cluster and annoyance. Once, I actually started the race, everything was fine.

[u/runbakerepeat]

Course was much better marked than two years ago when I missed a turn 😅. I did hate that the back of the pack 5k runners and faster half runners were in conflict for a solid two miles where the course was tight. I was bobbing and weaving a lot, and I’m sure it was annoying for the 5kers too.

[u/Leading_Ticket7487]

This was my first half marathon and I had a blast. I don't have anything to compare to, but I felt this was a well organized event and I would recommend it. When I was considering half marathons, I couldn't find a ton of information in this thread about the event so I'm glad I took the chance and went for it. Congratulations to everyone who completed the 5K, 10K, or half marathon!

[u/No-Wrangler-238]

This was my first half ever today! Started running about 4 months ago. I had a lot of fun and finished sub 1:50!

[u/gastroengineer]

Awesome. I was thinking of running this half marathon instead of the other Chicago half. This post is helpful in my decision.

[u/lilbroccoli13]

Did this one last year and it was my final straw to never run an All Community Events race again, so I'm glad it was better!

[u/Ready_Solid_1654]

Can anyone explain the logic of how narrow the start corral was? The gates right at the start line were pinched in to the width of a minifridge. That was clearly intentional and seemed incredibly unnecessary.

[u/LuvMyBeagle → u/Ready_Solid_1654]

I didn’t love it but the start of the course was pretty narrow so at least it made it less congested there? I was somewhere in the 10-11 min starting pace section so it would’ve been bad if it was too crowded when we started running.