“I ran a half marathon in Chicago—in January.” There is a statement that captures attention over those post-run beers and post-run brunches, and one that will frighten away those ‘I hate running’ hecklers at your office party or family gatherings. Run in the F^3 Lake Half Marathon, presented by REM-Fit, and you will always have a story to tell your running and non-running friends.

The F^3 Lake Half Marathon, now one of Chicago’s premier running events and a bucket list experience for people traveling from 24 states (plus 3 Canadian Provinces!) and all over Illinois, arose from simple beginnings. In 2009, F^3 Events founder Kimberley Stedman originally planned a small run with friends along the Chicago Lakefront Trail, but soon found herself among more than 100 runners looking for a chance to blow out some off-season rust, tapping into a need for Chicago runners to fill the winter racing drought that stretched between Thanksgiving Day to early spring. That original crew identified as “a grass roots gaggle of runners who like to run and drink en-masse.” Although the upcoming 8th annual running of the race expects 3,000 participants, it still maintains a feeling of conquering a run with your best running friends. And those participating also receive some fantastic swag and a memory filled post-party to go along with it.

The huge growth of the race since that first year allowed it to move from the north end of the Lakefront Trail down to Soldier Field in 2015 and a course that runs out and back on the path offering a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline as runners head back toward Solider Field for their finish.

And if there’s anything consistent about Chicago weather—even in late January—it’s a miserable unpredictability. Race day can bring conditions that are like a frozen tundra; slushy and soupy; or the bliss of unseasonable warmth. That sense of anticipation and suspense is only one of many reasons the F^3 belongs in your running resume.

Here are five the best reasons to make 2017 the year you run the F^3 Lake Half Marathon presented by REM-Fit.

1: Capitalize on Your Summer Fitness!

The summer of 2016 required just as much grit to train through as does the winter, but training through those seemingly endless days of heat and humidity brings the benefit of added fitness as the weather cools down. Keep that momentum going and cash in those hard-earned training gains by putting Chicago’s original winter endurance event on your calendar during the post-holiday lull. Since the race is held outside in the elements, the commitment will motivate you to get out the door and keep running though the cooler months. You’ll keep soaking up that vitamin D, your heart will grow stronger, you’ll burn more calories, and you’ll have built-in motivation to avoid over-eating and drinking too much at all those obligatory Holiday parties.

2: For Chi-Town

From the expletives in its long-form name (think about it) to the Chicago imagery in its swag and branding to the balance of rugged perseverance and having a good time, the F^3 Lake Half Marathon has Chicago blood coursing through its veins. Here’s another fun factoid: this event is entirely produced and managed by a group of nine women who all live in Chicago. In addition to its Chicago temperament, the race also has a Chicago heart. The official charity partner of F^3 is Garden Center Services, a local non-profit providing residential, vocational, and therapeutic services to Chicago adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. So when you run in the F^3 Lake Half Marathon, you run with and for Chicago and at a grass-roots event created by Chicago.

3. Avoid Sticker Shock

The F^3 Lake Half Marathon provides a high-quality race day experience with amenities including gear check and restrooms inside Soldier Field’s United Club, a great post-party, multiple pieces of high quality swag—all for a registration fee as much as 60% less than many of the races that tour the country. F^3 has also partnered with Chicago Endurance Sports as well as Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) which offer discounts on registration.

4. Earn Bragging Rights for Life

As has already been alluded to: your friends will think you’re tough, because you are! There is no other event like the F^3. If you’ve never run a half marathon before, this may be a golden opportunity! You never forget your first half-marathon, and if that first experience has a little more swagger than the typical late spring or mid-summer race - then your friends and family may join you in spinning yarns of your glory as well. If you sign up to train for the F^3 Lake Half Marathon with Chicago Endurance Sports’ (CES) Winter Warriors program you can register for the race for only $45!

5. Crush Your Spring Marathon

The F^3 Lake Half Marathon is Jan. 28, 2017, and is perfectly positioned fitness check as you ramp up into the spring marathon training cycle. Whether you are headed to your first Boston, trying to PR, or aiming to run your 100th marathon, a late January gut check will set you on the right course for a strong spring training season! The 13.1 mile distance is long enough to check your level of endurance, but manageable enough as a barometer of your speed. The timing of the race is ideal for calibrating your training through February, March, and April. And what better way to kick of a challenging training cycle than an epic post-race party with hundreds of new friends?