Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon

I overall enjoyed this race, but it has some short falls:
–The packet pick-​up is not very convenient in that you have to make a trip to McCormick Place, but I get it, it has to be picked up somewhere.
–I would say the race has major corral regulation problems in that a lot of slower runners, and dare I say walkers, maneuver themselves into faster corrals which just causes tremendous clogging in the early going of the race. The staggered start helps, but more policing of corral bibs would help the early congestion.
–Another shortfall of this race is it does not have much to do with rock and roll. The first band appeared on the course sometime around mile six, and there were only a few others after that… with the exception of a DJ that was spinning music piped through towers of speakers for a couple mile stretch around miles ten and eleven.
–Warning, there is a ¼ to ½ mile stretch of race course through a very dark loading area /​drop off area near McCormick Place… watch your step.
On the plus side:
+Volunteers and fans are always great
+Music (DJ) pre-​race was good
+It’s a fast course and allows for some good views of Chicago
+Timing system results provide a lot of times from race and the mobile runner tracker provided by Travelers was a hit with my folks
+Photographers abound
Would probably run it again.

GREAT Race to run if you are not a fan of the marathon distance, but want to challenge yourself to a half (or even a 10k/​5K since they now offer that here).
I have run this race every year since I moved to the city back in 2012 and it seems to get better each year.
the only reason I give 4 and not 5 stars is because the last chunk of the race is down and up the lake… my LEAST favorite part of any training route or race in chicago. It is just so boring!
The end of the race party is great and if you can handle the remix challenge, go for it!!! 3 medals, 2 races, and a ton of fun!

Great event for a first time 10k or half marathon for a group of my family members doing this together. The music along the later part of the run made it so much more fun but the speakers passing the DJ were almost a little too loud at a couple of points. Plenty of water, Gatorade and healthy snacks at the end to replenish. I really appreciated the cool water wash cloth at the finish. Easiest gear check I ever experienced. The volunteers were all so nice and friendly too. Loved this race! Thank you Chicago!

I have been running the Rock n Roll series for 8 years now and have loved every race in every city up until now. Never have I run a race as silent for the first 11 miles. Nothing to hear or look at besides a group of very nice young ladies cheerleading. How can the water stations not be prepared on a day that 98% humidity is forecasted? Expo was bland and hollow.
I feel as if corporate Rock n Roll just took our money and said «now go run down these streets and we’ll see you at the finish!»

Perhaps we do too many half marathons, so my expectations are too high but the Chicago Rock n Roll did not meet my expectations.
Issues:
— there were hardly any bands. If you’re going to advertise it as a rock n roll event, perhaps you should provide more bands along the route. It was mile 5 – 6 before we got a band!
— not all of the water stations were very well coordinated. 2^nd water stop was pouring concentrated gatorade into cups and handing them out (and still having a hard time keeping up). ew. The next water stop (which was critical for a lot of folks due to the concentrated gatorade fiasco) didn’t have any water ready, you had to grab a cup and wait for someone to fill it from the hose.
— there was a pre-​race email sent put about extra measures they were taking to ensure people could stay cool (things like misting stations and air conditioned buses). I love me a good misting station when it’s hot and I’m running. I don’t feel like they delivered… i don’t remember as many as they mentioned in the email AND it should only count as a mister if there’s sufficient water coming out to cool you
–Porta potty line (dis)organization
On the plus side:
–the cheerleaders were fun and energetic, which was nice (not quite a replacement for music, but they were great).
–the Toyota cheer zone had funny signs and those volunteers were cheering and fun.
–the DJ at mile 10 or so was good (and it was awesome that they used speakers so you could hear it for a while)
–the course was nice. The view of the city when you start coming back (I think around mile 11?) was fantastic.
–the site for the post — race was nice. I mean, we didn’t stick around for it because rock n roll post-​race «parties» usually stink.
–love the running medic people
–loved the cold towels afterwards
Ultimately I expected more «energy» during the experience. We’ve gotten disappointed with the rock n roll franchise, but normally they are well-​organized (ie adequate water station support & etc…) and I can’t say the same about this one.

This was my second Rock n Roll Chicago and forth one overall. This by far was the worst. There were 3 or 4 bands and the first started at the 6 mile mark. It’s called Rock n Roll for a reason. You are in the heart of so much talent and you select 3 bands? If I want to see cheerleaders and circus performers I’d go to busker fest.
Water was out atany of the stations also happened last year so all water should of been doubled if not tripled because of the extreme weather conditions.
If you are looking for a good race in Chicago I recommend the Chicago spring half, Chicago half, or Women Rock. All half the price and better organized.
Don’t waste your money.

A great race. I ran the 5k this year and will definitely be back next year to run the half marathon. I also got a chance to meet the Olympian Meb :)

Hmmm… I don’t really know where to go with this one. As I mentioned before, this particular race was my very first half marathon and it holds a special place in my heart. That being said, I need to stop rounding up stars just for that reason. After 7 years of running this race, I have to say that there are things to love and things to not like so much about it.
The things to love…
* The expo. I always have a lot of fun and they have a ton of great exhibitors. It’s definitely a highlight.
* The shirts. A few years ago they made the switch to gender specific shirts and it is a lot better. I like how they put a lot of effort into making sure it is a cool design every year.
* The start is organized and spaced pretty well. They’re not as hard core about locking people into corrals early and I like that. It’s nice to not have to rush, especially if you’re not in the first few corrals.
* They are always offering deals, especially if you sign up super early. Saving money always makes me happy.
* The post race party is well done and, even the one year when the headliner had to cancel, they had a quality band/​performer go on. Andy Grammer gave a great show this year.
Some things to know if you’re thinking about running…
* Apparently the noise regulations the city put in place last year are here to stay. You won’t see any musical entertainment until you get near the lakefront (mile 10 or so). They have stilt walkers and a couple of cheer squads but, if you like tunes, bring your own until you reach the music. I will say that they try to make up for it along the lakefront where they have a DJ and line the path with speakers that cover a mile or so. That part is pretty awesome.
* This year was especially hot and humid. The race organizers knew it and tried to prepare, but the aid station volunteers couldn’t keep up. I was worried when the first aid station was more or less out of water, but at least the stations after that had their hoses out to fill people’s cups. I know that the volunteers were working hard but having to wait in line for a hose at each water station was a bit frustrating. Gatorade seemed to be in fairly good supply but probably a good idea to run with your own water if you’re running mid to back of the pack.
* If you’re thinking about running with a pace group, make sure to have a plan B. Last year the pacer for the group we wanted to run with didn’t show up. This year, the pacers for our group were running about 10 minutes (45 seconds/​mile) behind. Not a huge deal if you’re not looking to PR, but if you are, you’ll want a backup plan. Of course, I could just have really bad luck with pace groups but better safe than sorry, right?
All in all, I’ll continue to run this race. It fits nicely into the marathon training schedule and I’m weirdly loyal enough to want to keep the streak alive. The festivities are fun and it gives me an event to look forward to in the middle of the summer. Just keeping my fingers crossed for a cooler day (and more water) for next year’s race!

I’ve run this Half since 2009. Each year there seems to be less bands along the route. 2014 had more ‘performers’ than music. The course use to finish along the lake front but now it comes through the museum campus. If you sign up early the price is right. However I don’t feel it is worth $ 150 last minute entry.
The course is flat with enough port o potties and water stations. In 2009 we saw Susan Tedeschi perform. Each year since is has been a lesser known artist. The medals have been nice. The expo is OK.
I am not running it this year.

This is for last year’s (2014) event and though I did enjoy the course (the route) and absolutely LOVED the medal («The Bean» bling!) I honestly was freaked out by the Sound of Silence.
Not the song, though that would’ve been strange too… But this was the first RnR event where I’d participated and there were new restrictions on morning music. I hadn’t seen any notice of this prior the event and it was very unexpected compared to years’ past (as well as RnR in other cities.). (Seems it’s becoming the rule rather than the exception too in several other cities.)
I’m not a real morning person anyway and I never run with headphones. Imagine my surprise when the only thing I heard were the pounding footsteps of runners in front of the Chicago Theatre and a juggler with face paint silently doing his thing. It was eerie. I can deal with no music and I hate to be disapproving of entertainment, but I just didn’t care for the more circus-​styled acts. (There were others). I did love the Elvis in front of Federal Plaza who sang right to me… accompanied or not, he had some pipes and it gave me a smile.
Everything else about the expo, start, finish, after-​party was solid. (See previous review). I did give feedback directly to RnR last year. I write this review in case you’re going to sign up for next month’s race — definitely bring your own music, don’t be surprised by a clown act or two (tho I’m hoping «zero.») and look forward to the later miles where there are more bands.
PS — BEST BEST shirt EVER

I’ve completed a handful of Rock ‘n’ Roll (half) marathons in other cities, and the well-​organized and prepared expo, course, post-​race are just as terrific here as with any other city. The major, notable difference I found was the lack of music for the first leg of the race. In other cities, like Cleveland, Phoenix, and San Diego, the bands and entertainment are consistently spaced throughout the course; however, in Chicago, because it starts so early (since the race is in the dead of summer) and meanders through residential areas, they keep it a bit lower-​key with just a couple cheer/​spirit groups for the first several miles. When the entertainment stages started, the bands/​DJs/​performers were all great, but it was eerily quiet and not very Rock ‘n’ Roll-​y at the beginning.
The course is mostly flat, which is nice and makes for an easy-​enough run. As a local, I run on/​around the Lake Front Trail regularly, and it’s so scenic, it never gets old. Being able to run down Michigan Avenue/​around the Loop, generally, is a treat, too. Chicago’s such an aesthetically pleasing city, and the course does a great job of showcasing this. At one point, the course went under McCormick place, through an underground-​ish tunnel, which was lit up with lights – which was cool.
Speaking of treats – any July race with chilled sponges is going to get at least 4 stars in my book. For the 2014 race, they were passing these guys out around mile 10 or 11 and boy, was it a refreshing and necessary respite from the summer heat. The race does a great job, however, of having plenty of water/​Gatorade stations throughout the course. I think there could have been more photographers. With so many racers, zero ended up being captured of me. I guess I just blended into the crowd.
The post-​race concert was solid. Plenty of free samples and new products to try, plus first aid, massages; basically, your typical large-​scale post-​race festivities. I enjoyed it, but the lack of music at the beginning was a bit of a disappointment (although I totally understand why they couldn’t have bands at that hour).

This was my first half marathon. I was super excited because the weather was perfect and it seemed like it was a going to be a good day! Too bad there was very little Rock in the Rock and Roll half marathon. I didn’t wear any headphones because I thought there would be some music. But according to their PR department there’s an ordinance that said no amplified music before 6 in the loop. Which is fine. I can honor that but the dang race started at 6:30! I didn’t start running until 7! So now what?! And there was amplified music at the start of the race which was grant park! Not to mention this isn’t the first year this race has happened. So how have you avoided this issue in the past? Goofballs! Anyway. The course was great, medal was wonderful, volunteers were on it, just needed a better execution of the theme.

I wanted to like this more. The course through the city was great. Loved it. But the after michigan ave everything fell apart. We ran on grass. Ran on a narrow trail; in a dark dusty thoroughfare under McCormick place. Which was filthy and sooty. The trail also got really narrow. Also not enough water stations. The start also took forever. Also the corrals have to be monitored so people stay on their proper pace. I was surrounded by much slower runners whom I had to dodge through for the first three miles. At least the surroundings were great during that. Plus, I hate Gu. Gross. Get something organic.

Not a fan. Very few rock bands. Seemed like very few water stations… And just here to make as much money off people as possible. Hey — let’s make you go to mccormick place to get your bib– you can pay for parking there, and once you get it, you can walk through the «health expo» — nothing more than a load of businesses trying to sell you more crap…
then — let’s not bother with any music until the 6^th mile — many of my friends didn’t wear earphones thinking there would be tunes throughout… nope…

This is a solid race– so my low rating isn’t a reflection on quality, but it is pretty standard. If you’ve run enough half marathons (I’ve done 13) or done a ton of races in Chicago, this one won’t really stand out for you in terms of course, medal or swag. It’s standard… really well done, but standard.
Pros–
–Organizers have this down to a science. They do this race all over the country so you know they have it together.
–Packet pickup is super easy and well stocked with volunteers, no waiting in line for packets.
–Expo is always well stocked with great vendors.
–You can save money by registering way in advance.
–If you do more than one RNR event, you can get bonus medals.
Cons–
–The medal is average at best, let’s hope they jazz up that ribbon for the pricetag you pay!
–Most of the goodie bag goes in the trash after, but the tech shirts are nice.
–It can be stupid expensive if you don’t register early enough.
–The course isn’t glam by any means, and for a race this size, there weren’t a ton of spectators.
–DANG IT WILL BE HOT IN JULY, but they can’t control the weather– just keep it in mind.
–Expect to wait a long time for this race to start. Wave starts are necessary for a safe race with this many people, but if your buddy runs a 7 minute mile and you run a 11 minute mile, they will probably wait around for you well over an hour since they start sooner and they run faster.

I was told the Rock and Roll Half Marathon is a race you hate doing, but once you’re done you have to sign up for the following year. If you want a very organized race that gives you weekly emails, a great expo, and a different path — then sign up! But sign up early because this race comes with a hefty price tag!
Pros:
— YAY a race not done on the lake front path!
— People travel from all over for this race, so course support is beyond encouraging
— The bands are a great distraction
— God sent Volunteers that know what they’re doing and have an upbeat attitude
— Bountiful Gatorade, Water, and Gu Gel Stops to help you keep moving
— Giant and colorful medal
— Water mists to keep you cool
— Wide open lanes so no runners elbowing you
Cons
— Its freaking hot! This race is always done in July when the heat makes it nearly impossible to PR.
— Why so many wave starts?
–Its super hot!
— At mile 11, you are forced into a dark tunnel akin to Willy Wonka’s Tunnel or a bad rave in 2001 where it takes time for your eyes to adjust and you pray you won’t trample someone
— DAMN that was expensive, cheapest entry is $ 70
— Why is the Expo in the middle of McCormick Center where no one but you can pick up your race packet?!
— If there are so many wave starts, can you put some restrictions on it? I had a very slow crowd in front of me!
— Cool race shirt, who designed it a middle school art class?
That being said, I had a lot of fun at this race, the medal was worth it, and you can’t beat that course support.

I’ve done this twice (²⁰¹⁰⁄₂₀₁₂). It’s in July, it’s going to be hot so that’s no surprise. Course is flat, but not sure if I’m a fan of it. I hate the part that takes you under McCormick Place– it just doesn’t seem safe to me because you can’t see all that well. It’s also very pricey, something that’s a common theme for the Rock n Roll Series. The expo was mediocre and you couldn’t pick up bibs for friends or family which was absurd. Probably won’t come back to this one, but that’s just because of how much I’m over Rock n Roll

Great event –ROCKIN medal. A lot of my friends have ran this and I have too.
Good
— Rockin’ music
— Big event lots of energy
— love the tunnel at the end (McCormick Place) garage
— FUN EVENT
Bad
— I think they just served GU (uck)
My own fault — I didn’t train and tried to run this — LOL I got a really bad time–

Like Andrea H, I have a soft spot for the RnR half because it was the first half marathon I ever ran; it’s also why I’m rounding this 3.5 star experience up to 4.
Last year, despite a primarily positive experience, I had three main complaints — unisex shirts, plastic cups at water stations, and not enough port-​a-​potties. They seemed to remedy the plastic cup issue, but I’m not so sure about the other two.
Here are some things worth mentioning about the race:
+ Music along the course keeps it entertaining.
— Expensive entry fee — $ 80 – 110 for a half marathon isn’t cheap and there are definitely better deals to be had.
+ Scaled back goodie bags. While this is a negative for most, I throw 90% of my bag’s contents in the trash anyway and felt less wasteful.
— The finish line layout was awkward, almost maze-​like.
–Unisex shirts, booo! At this price point, they should offer separate sizing; many smaller (cheaper) races are able to accomplish this. Even the smallest mens size isn’t that small.
+ Shirt exchange at the expo — unlike last year, if your shirt was ginormous, you could exchange it on the spot for a smaller, less potato sack like size.
— The medals don’t list the race year; the cynic in me says this makes it easier for them to reuse next year.
— Not enough people/​organization at water stations. Many of the early water stations were completely overwhelmed, not being able to pour fast enough to meet demand. Some of the later ones weren’t directing people further down the station causing backups.
+ New, more interesting course. I like the changes and since I didn’t really review the course in advance, it was nice surprise.
All in all this is a fun race series and I would recommend doing it at least once. However, the more races I run, the more discriminating I become and I’m not sure this is one worth the high price tag.

Review for: Chicago 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.
My first half marathon so I’m quite please with the route. The course was beautiful, definitely gave us a great tour of Chicago and relatively flat. The on course entertainment was fun and the cheer squads had good energy!
However, the swag bag wasn’t so swag. Could of been made with better material and all we got was a bunch of fliers, 2 product samples, our bib, & tech shirt. For a big event from a well known company I was expecting just a little bit more. Maybe a free head band or Rock ‘n’ Roll koozies? Also the tech shirts weren’t genderized so they were quite long that it almost covered my shorts!
They also lacked volunteers at some of the water stations. And not as many spray stations as I hoped (good thing it rained on us).
The finish line didn’t say «finish line» so I was bummed because when I see those words I get super pump and want to finish strong! We got water, cold/​wet towels, fruits, energy bars, cytomax drinks, and our medal after wards with the option of taking a professional photo with our medal. Also 2 FREE MGD 64 Light Beers for runners.
The medal (
) is pretty cool, but no date or year? They had it last year so not sure why they didn’t do it this year. Also there’s a finisher’s certificate (
) you can print.
Enjoyed the course, but the «perks» can be improved.