10 Destination Races in Chicago, Illinois

From a St. Patrick’s Day 8K through the streets of downtown Chicago to a half marathon that loops around three city parks, learn more about these destination races in Chicago, Illinois.

(Feature photo courtesy of Ventures Endurance, Run Mag Mile)

If you’re looking for a flat and fast course with city skyline views, Chicago’s your place. This nearly sea-level destination is known for fast race times and plenty of personal bests.

October’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, part of the World Marathon Majors, is on many runners’ bucket lists. Also in the fall is a half marathon that runs along Lake Shore Drive, and a 10K tour of Michigan Avenue.

Two annual races coincide with holidays: the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and the Soldier Field 10 on Memorial Day.

Explore details of these and other destination races in Chicago, listed by calendar date.

Looking for more information on running in Chicago?
Visit the Chicago City Guide.

F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5K

January | Chicago, Illinois | Half Marathon, 5K
Bundle up for this wintertime half marathon and enjoy a mid-morning start time! You’ll begin in the warmth of Soldier Field’s United Club. The USATF-certified course follows Chicago’s Lakefront Trail to the turnaround at Jackson Park. Instead of a race T-shirt, the hooded sweatshirt should keep you warm at the post-race party.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 32 degrees; low of 19 degrees; average of 25 degrees
Course Elevation Change: 24-foot change in elevation (half marathon)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: 3 hours, 30 minutes (half marathon); 1 hour, 35 minutes (5K)

Runners crossing the start line of a road race with many dressed in green and a green start line banner overhead — (Photo courtesy of Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle)

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

March | Chicago, Illinois | 8K
Chicago is among the top U.S. cities to visit for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, so why not run a road race while you’re in town for the celebration? Wear your green running gear — or your race shirt — and join thousands of runners for an 8K course that weaves through the heart of downtown Chicago. Not up for the 8K distance? Opt for the untimed 2-mile walk. After you cross the finish line, join the post-race party at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park before making your way to the other downtown festivities. This event is part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 47 degrees; low of 31 degrees; average of 49 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: 1 hour, 15 minutes (15:00/mile average)

A group of runners running away from the camera along a paved path next to a lake with a city skyline in the distance — Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K (Photo courtesy of Life Time)

Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K

May | Chicago, Illinois | Half Marathon, 10K
Enjoy springtime sights along Chicago’s Lakefront. The half marathon and 10K courses share a start line, and both races finish in front of Maggie Daley Park. After your race, enjoy live music, a brunch buffet, and complimentary beer (21+) at the Spring Market Finish Festival. Bring home a tech T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and free flowers!

Average Race Month Weather: High of 71 degrees; low of 51 degrees; average of 61 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: Runners must maintain a 16:00/mile average

Runners in red, white, and blue t-shirts running on a paved path with green trees and a lake in the background. — Soldier Field 10 (Photo courtesy of Ventures Endurance)

Soldier Field 10

May | Chicago, Illinois | 10 Miles, 10K
Soldier Field 10 has been a Chicago Memorial Day tradition for more than 20 years. You’ll begin the morning with a playing of “Taps” and a military salute to honor U.S. service members who lost their lives for their country. The 10-mile and 10K courses take you along Chicago’s Lakefront before finishing inside Soldier Field on the 50-yard line. Stick around for the post-race party outside the stadium and enjoy a complimentary beer (21+).

Average Race Month Weather: High of 71 degrees; low of 51 degrees; average of 61 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: Runners must maintain a 15:00/mile average

Bank of America Chicago 13.1

June | Chicago, Illinois | Half Marathon
Explore Chicago’s West Side along this half marathon course. The start and finish line is at Garfield Park, and runners loop around both Humboldt and Douglass parks. After the race, stick around for food and a complimentary beer (21+), plus post-race entertainment. If you’re in town the day before race day, be sure to check out the West Side wellness events and activities at Garfield Park. This event is part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 80 degrees; low of 61 degrees; average of 71 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: 3 hours, 15 minutes (15:00/mile average)

BTN Big 10K

July | Chicago, Illinois | 10K, 5K
When registering for the BTN Big 10K, choose a school-specific race shirt to represent your Big Ten Conference college team. Expect to see all mascots from the Big Ten Conference in attendance. The 10K and 5K courses run along Chicago’s Lakefront. Afterward, compete in yard games such as corn hole and football toss.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 85 degrees; low of 66 degrees; average of 75 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: 1 hour, 35 minutes (10K); 1 hour (5K)

Runners running along both sides of a bridge's streets with tall downtown buildings in the background — Run Mag Mile (Photo courtesy of Ventures Endurance)

Run Mag Mile

September | Chicago, Illinois | 10K, 5K
This is your opportunity to run downtown Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, also known as The Magnificent Mile, with no street traffic! Runners signed up for the 10K get the added scenic tour of Monroe Harbor. If you’re feeling fast, be sure to pay attention to the “Hoka Mile,” a 1-mile section of the course that is separately timed and awarded. At the post-race party, held in conjunction with the Taste of Chicago, enjoy brunch and an adult beverage (21+) from your choice of select Taste of Chicago vendors.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 76 degrees; low of 57 degrees; average of 66 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: Runners must maintain a 16:00/mile average

Male and female runners crossing a race start line smiling with one woman in the middle waving — Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K (Photo courtesy of Life Time)

Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K

September | Chicago, Illinois | Half Marathon, 5K
Kick off the fall season at the Lifetime Chicago Half Marathon’s pre-race party and expo, which includes live entertainment, food, and drinks. On race day, the half marathon course runs along Lake Shore Drive, with a start and finish line in Jackson Park, while the 5K course stays within the park’s grounds. After the race, stick around for food and live music.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 76 degrees; low of 57 degrees; average of 66 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: Runners must maintain a 16:00/mile average

Runners running away from a race start line and toward the camera on a wide street lined with light posts on a cloudy day — (Photo courtesy of Abbott Chicago 5K)

Abbott Chicago 5K

October | Chicago, Illinois | 5K
If you’re not signed up for the Chicago Marathon scheduled the following day, the Abbott Chicago 5K’s flat and fast course is a great opportunity to test your speed. But even if you are participating in the marathon, plenty of runners join for a great shakeout run! The course weaves through downtown Chicago on Harrison Street and Wacker Drive.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 63 degrees; low of 45 degrees; average of 54 degrees
Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat course)
Past Race Results
Time Limit: 45 minutes

Runners crossing a race finish line with times displayed on the finish line bridge, and green trees and city buildings in the background. — (Photo courtesy of Bank of America Chicago Marathon)

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

October | Chicago, Illinois | Marathon
One of the World Marathon Majors, the Chicago Marathon is considered a bucket list event for many marathon runners. It’s a flat and fast course and has produced several national and world record times over the years since its 1977 beginnings. Throughout the 26.2 miles, runners get scenic views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront, while also exploring many of the city’s historic neighborhoods.

Due to the race’s popularity, registration is based on application acceptance, with guaranteed spots available for runners who commit to fundraising for an organization that’s part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program. The Chicago Marathon is part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series.

Average Race Month Weather: High of 63 degrees; low of 45 degrees; average of 54 degrees
Course Elevation Change: 243-foot change in elevation
Past Race Results
Time Limit: 6 hours, 30 minutes (15:00/mile average)

*Average Race Month Weather is based on the National Weather Service’s historical data.

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