Chicago Half Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Chicago Half Marathon and 5K
The event weekend begins with a pre-race party featuring live music and entertainment, followed by multiple race options that use traffic-restricted Lake Shore Drive and parts of Chicago’s southside. The weekend includes a finish festival with live music, post-race food, partner activations, and participant amenities.
The half marathon is described as a flat, scenic course that starts and finishes in Historic Jackson Park. The route travels north with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, passes neighborhoods such as Kenwood and Hyde Park, includes a turnaround and leads toward the Museum of Science and Industry before finishing near the Statue of the Republic. A 16-minute mile pace goes into effect once the last participant crosses the start line to support course reopening and operations.
Participants receive a custom-designed finisher medal, a long-sleeve tech tee, post-race food and refreshments, and a runner goody bag. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers in male, female and non-binary divisions, with additional age-group awards for the top three in groups ranging from 19 & Under through 90+. Para athletes can access a guide pairing service through a partnership with Dare2tri. The weekend also offers a 5K and a Kids Run for ages 2 to 12. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Events nearby
A neighborhood 5K tribute in Evergreen Park that starts and finishes at Porter Cullins and runs out and back to St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, offering a short course that connects local history with community remembrance.