More than 18,000 runners lined up in Grant Park Sunday for the Annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon and 10K. With overcast skies and temperatures in the high 60’s, not one person could complain about the unseasonable weather at this race.
This was my second time running this race, my first time was two years ago when the weather was more normal for July – 90’s and 70 percent humidity. Walking out of my door Sunday morning and actually needing a sweatshirt instantly put me in a good mood, despite it being 4:30 a.m.
Rock ‘n’ Roll has a great reputation across the country for putting on fun, unique races, and Chicago’s rendition is no different; from A Capella groups to saxophone players to full on bands, the course was never dull. In fact, when I did this race in 2015, I was a little disappointed by the lack of music in the beginning miles, but this year, RNR redeemed itself – I was able to run without headphones and not get bored.
The fact that this course is a loop and not an out-and-back is a huge advantage, at least personally. While so many Chicago races start in Grant Park and go south towards Soldier Field and back, this one loops through many streets the Bank of America Chicago Marathon does, before heading down Michigan Avenue for three miles and looping back at McCormick Place. Being said, it’s a pretty fast course, and once you start heading back north, you’re already at mile 10.
The last three miles are a little more challenging though; with three different hills and a mirage finish (you can see it from about .75 miles away and it seems to get further the closer you get), it definitely pushes runners to put whatever else they had left in them on the course. Thankfully, the last quarter mile is packed with spectators cheering and helping you get to the finish line, which is always appreciated.
My favorite part of the race was right before mile 6, when probably 50 people from some charity (I forgot which one… oops) stood along the side of the street holding American flags. It was really cool to be running for so long with our flag right next to us, reminding us that no matter what our country is going through, we do it together, just like a hard race. Plus, it made for some cool, patriotic pictures.
Defending champion Neely Spence Gracey reclaimed her title as women’s champion with a time of 1:13:13, finishing sixth overall. Spence Gracey has also finished in the top 10 and both Boston and New York City Marathons last year.
“I’m really happy it was a good start to my fall season. I love the energy here. It’s a great course. I like coming to Chicago and running along the water, finishing at the fountain,” she says. “It’s just really iconic. Rock ‘n’ Roll does it right. It’s a big party!”
Behind Spence Gracey was Julia Kohnen and Jamie Vest.
For the men’s race, Tyler Pence from Springfield won in 1:09:06, with Scott Dalhburg close behind at 1:10:21. Gedion Yetrif took third.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago weekend also offers a 5K race Saturday, and a 10K Sunday that starts with the half marathoners. The expo, held at McCormick Friday and Saturday, is huge, with plenty of booths and fun merchandise to pick from.
However, the series is known for its after party; held in Grant Park, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band jazzed on stage for all the finishers, who got to enjoy a free beer while sporting their Chicago-themed medal. Food and souvenirs were also available for purchase, along with other treats.
Overall, I really liked this race, especially my second time around. I would probably do it every single year if I could count on the weather being as perfect as it was this year, but living in Chicago, it’s always a mystery.
