Chicago Half Marathon
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Chicago Half Marathon and 5K
The Chicago Half Marathon and 5K is an annual running event that takes place in September. Now in its 29th year, the event provides participants with a course that includes exclusive access to traffic-restricted portions of Lake Shore Drive. The routes start and finish in Jackson Park, the historic site of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition.
The event offers several distances and categories:
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- 5K
- Kids Run Chicago (for ages 2-12)
The half marathon course is flat and scenic, traveling north through Southside neighborhoods such as Kenwood and Hyde Park. Runners pass Lake Michigan and the Museum of Science and Industry before reaching the finish line at the golden Statue of the Republic. A 16-minute mile pace requirement is enforced for the half marathon distance once the last participant crosses the start line.
Participants in the half marathon must be at least 14 years old. The event includes a pre-race party with live entertainment and a post-race finish festival featuring food, refreshments, and music. For those seeking an extended challenge, the Chicago Half Marathon Series allows runners to complete both the Spring Half in May and the September race to earn a third medal.
Awards are presented to the top three overall male, female, and non-binary finishers, alongside age group awards ranging from 19 and under to 90 plus. Registered athletes receive a long-sleeve tech tee and a finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
