Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5K (Chicago area)

This mid-summer half marathon brings a festive "Christmas in July" theme to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, offering a unique blend of holiday cheer and warm-weather running. Runners can expect a largely shaded course through Busse Forest, a beautiful park setting that provides a pleasant escape from urban landscapes.

The course is noted for being relatively flat, with only a few minor inclines, making it a potentially fast race for many. While the scenery is described as pretty and shaded, it's not particularly varied, focusing on the natural beauty of the park. The event aims for a festive atmosphere with themed giveaways and a "Christmas Party" post-race celebration.

Despite some organizational challenges noted in reviews, such as occasional shortages of supplies, the race has drawn participants from around 30 states, with a median field size of about 1,190 finishers. A portion of these, around 22%, return for subsequent editions, indicating a degree of loyalty to this quirky summer holiday event.