The Chicago Half Marathon is one of the most popular half marathon races in the United States. It is held with great honor on Lake Shore Drive every September or October. It is commonly referred to as “The Hometown Race” and operates in conjunction with the Chicago Marathon and a 5K race.
The course starts and finishes in the same spot, so it is an enjoyable out and back run with some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in Illinois. If you are interested in a breezy fall run that invites professional athletes along with first time half marathon challengers, this is one to consider.
Race History
Along the southern lakefront in Chicago, Illinois, you will find an eighteen mile jogging path that offers scenic views for those in training for the prestigious running events held every fall along the waterway.
This path is notable because it started out as a five mile equestrian path that was transformed into a jogging path only after Chicago became the running capital of the Illinois. This path was created after the launch of the very first Chicago Marathon and a few shorter races in 1977.
The first official Chicago Half Marathon was not launched until twenty years later, in 1997. That race finished in Grant Park, and moved through a variety of course changes before settling on the current course.
Shorter races came before the 1997 half marathon, but this was the first race under the official Chicago Half Marathon title.
That first race saw an outstanding show of support with thousands of racers lining up to compete. That continues to be the pattern, with sign-ups now limited to 20,000 racers. Those spots sell out quickly, so it is now advised that racers sign up early to ensure they do not get shut out.
Race Course
The Chicago Half Marathon starts and in Jackson Park and passes the Museum of Science & Industry before winding through Jackson Park. It continues along the south lakeshore and bypasses Promontory Point Park and Harold Washington Park. It turns a loop toward McCormick Place and passes back along the lakeshore to end in Jackson Park.
From the beautiful water views to the well known parks, museums and other landmarks, there is always something to catch your attention and pass the miles.
Add in a variety of live entertainment acts positioned along the course, and you see why thousands of racers line up to compete in the Chicago Half Marathon every single year.
If you travel to the race solo, you can always make friends along the course!
The course also features many opportunities for supporters to cheer on the racers. This adds an element of excitement, especially if you have supporters traveling the course to meet up with you along the way.
Supporters can actually enjoy much of the race themselves as they stroll through the 600 acre Jackson Park to meet up with racers at designated mile markers.
Training for the Chicago Half Marathon
All participants in this half marathon must maintain a 13 minute mile pace in order to remain in the race. If this will be your first half marathon or you are not sure you can make that pace, it is important to develop a training program with that minimum pace or faster as your goal.
If you arrive at a station past the required cut-off time to finish the race on time, you will be required to take race-provided transportation out of the race.
On race day, there will be large information stations with warnings if you are at risk of running behind required pace. This will help motivate those who are struggling to keep up with required pace. It is best to train with this minimum race time or better, so you don’t have to worry about not making it through to the finish line.
The Chicago Half Marathon is a great option for those running their very first half marathon. The course offers a lot of excitement and scenic views, and there is a healthy mix of running pros and beginners.
With up to 20,000 racers on the course and thousands cheering them on from the parks, this is one of the most exciting half marathons you can participate in every fall. It could even be a jumping off point if you want to one day run the Chicago Marathon!
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