Chicago Half Marathon
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Chicago Half Marathon and 5K
The event on September 27, 2026 includes multiple race options and a city finish festival. The weekend features road races with access to Lake Shore Drive and nearby Chicago lakefront landmarks.
- Half Marathon 13.1 miles starting and finishing in Jackson Park
- 5K along Lake Michigan with post race perks
- Kids Run for ages two to twelve
The half marathon course begins in Historic Jackson Park, the site of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, and travels north with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Runners travel along south Lake Shore Drive with glimpses of southside neighborhoods such as Kenwood and Hyde Park, pass the Museum of Science and Industry campus, and finish near the Statue of the Republic.
Age and awards information is published for the half marathon. The age minimum for the half marathon is 14 years on race day. Awards are given to the top three overall male, female and non binary finishers, with additional age group awards spanning 19 and under up to 90 plus. Award mailing is available for a shipping fee.
Event services include a large finisher medal, a long sleeve tech tee, post race food and a runner goody bag. The finish festival includes live music and partner activations. A 16 minute per mile pace policy goes into effect after the last participant crosses the start line to support timely course reopening. Para athlete guide pairing is available through a Dare2tri partnership. Half marathon entries are noted as sold out with alternative entry options such as charity entry, VIP packages and a waitlist. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
