First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon

Great race. Very organized. Wonderful way to start race season!
Course is deceivingly a bit hilly at part, but otherwise straight and flat. Again, very pleased with it.

Great local race in the south suburbs. The only spring half marathons I’m aware of down here. It is put on by Mel from Running For Kicks. The course is an out-​and-​back along Rt 83. Some people say it’s boring, but it’s along the forest preserve, so I think it’s pretty and very peaceful. The race isn’t too big, so the course never feels crowded. There is a nice expo the day before for packet pick-​up, with a decent amount of vendors to check out. There is also plenty of free parking available within a few blocks of the start/​finish. Post race you get your medal and water, bananas, bagels, beer and there is music and the other usual stuff. The only complaint I’ve ever heard is that later on in the race, the water stations run out of water (or cups for water) for the back of the pack. I experienced that in 2010, and a friend of mine has also experienced that. So, if you’re in the back of the pack, bring your own handheld water bottle to be safe. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this race for any runner in the south suburbs.