This was my first 5k ever (2012). It was a great first 5k. The run was mostly flat, slight incline the first half equal to about a 1 on a tredmil and a slight decline the second half. The run is through the Villa Park neighborhood so it’s peaceful and quiet with some shade from trees.
Check-in was simple. There was a line but it moved fast. Down side was they gave your your goodie bag before you ran so we had to go back to the car to drop that off after checking in. Booths in the expo area were open before and after the run. There were free bananas, oranges, water bottles, the usual expo giveaways.
It was a fairly relaxed run. There are quite a few people with strollers but you pick your own corral placement and the last corral is labeled “strollers.” So it’s only a problem if you are super slow and allow them to pass you. But the road was closed off enough that you could easily pass them if it becomes a problem. Also a decent number of walkers. So it’s great for all ages. It’s quiet with no on-course entertainment so if you want some music, bring it yourself.