2024 Athlete Guide
September 27-29
Welcome the Chicago Half Marathon
We are thrilled to host athletes from all over the world for one of the most iconic races on the Chicagoland event schedule. Whether you’re an experience endurance athlete or a first-time participant, we applaud you for taking on the challenge and joining us for what is to be an unforgettable experience.
As a friendly reminder, we want everyone to understand that the Chicago Half Marathon & 5K isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of your athleticism, hard work, and determination. As you prepare for race day, know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
As you finalize your preparations, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the course details, review the race guidelines, and take advantage of our athlete resources available online and on-site. Our team is committed to ensuring that your experience is both rewarding and enjoyable.
We look forward to seeing you at the starting line and cheering you on to the finish!
All-In-One Athlete Tracking
Live Web Tracker – See times and current pace within seconds of a participant crossing each split point. Estimated times will be provided based on current pace.
Live Leaderboard – See who is winning via the Live Leaderboard. Top runners in each category will be displayed in real-time as they lead the way through the course.
Live Map Tracking – Participant locations will be plotted on the Interactive Course Map as progress is made on course. The position of each participant is estimated based on the most recent timing received from the bib read. Note: Participants do not need to carry their phones for this feature to work.
Mobile App – Features include Live Participant Tracking, Push Notifications, Leaderboards, Map Tracking, Event Messages, Event Info and more. Click here to download the app.
*Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.
Pre-Race Information
Race Weekend Schedule
Pre-Race Party + Packet Pickup
- Location: Morgan Manufacturing | 401 N Morgan St | Chicago, IL 60642
- Friday, September 27 | 1pm – 7pm
- Saturday, September 28 | 10am-5pm
- Shakeout Run (with Coach Mike)
- Saturday, September 28 | 9:30 AM
- Shakeout Run (with Coach Mike)
Sunday, September 29 (Race Day)
Pre-Race Party + Packet Pickup
Location & Schedule
- Morgan Manufacturing | 401 N Morgan St | Chicago, IL 60642
- Friday, September 27 | 1pm – 7pm
- Saturday, September 28 | 10am-5pm
More Than an Expo
The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon Pre-Race Party is more than just an expo. With live music, food and drinks, plenty of running gear and accessories to get you ready for race day, photo ops, and more, you’ll have all the positive vibes you need to get you from the start line to the finish line.
Long-Distance Travel
Hotel Bookings
If you’re traveling from out of town or wish to stay closer to the race venue during the weekend, you can take advantage of the best hotel rates available in the marketplace through our hotel partner – Hotel Planner. This partnership provides the following advantages to make your stay in the windy city a breeze.
Air Travel
If you plan on flying into Chicago, you have two airport options: Chicago Midway (MDW), located 11 miles southwest of downtown, and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) located 15 miles northwest of the city.
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- At Midway, the L Train line that operates from the airport to the Loop is the Orange Line. Additionally, you can order a rideshare service, taxi cab, and shuttle buses. For more information, please visit the link below.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- At O’Hare, the L Train line that operates from the airport to the Loop is the Blue Line. Additionally, you can order a rideshare service, taxi cab, and shuttle buses. For more information, please visit the link below.
VIP EXPERIENCE
Upgrade Your Experience
- Athletes and spectators can experience the Chicago Half Marathon & 5K in style with multiple race weekend VIP packages.
- Participants who purchase the INFINITITI VIP package should plan to retrieve their race bib plus VIP items at the INFINITI VIP Booth at Packet Pickup.
- The VIP wristbands must be worn in order to enter the INFINITI VIP tent. The Kids VIP package is required for all children ages 5-17. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times who has purchased their own separate VIP wristband. There are no refunds or deferrals for VIP packages.
- The VIP Gear Check is located inside the INFINITI VIP Finish Tent. Please ensure all items are placed in the provided Gear Check bag and the tag from your bib is safely secured for easy drop-off.
- Only athletes who purchase Will Call can pick up their items on race morning. All others must plan to retrieve at the expo.
- Hot breakfast and coffee will be served in the INFINITI VIP Finish Tent. Those 21 and over will be able to enjoy the open bar.
- Those who purchase VIP will have access to private portable restrooms within the INFINITI VIP Finish Tent.
Race Day Information
Race Morning Logistics
How to Get There & Where to Park
- Race Location
- Jackson Park | 6401 S Stony Island Ave | Chicago, IL 60637
- Transportation Options
- We HIGHLY encourage athletes to take the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) and then head East toward the Museum of Science and Industry parking lots. Note: Google/Apple Maps or your Uber/Lyft driver may be routing you to Lake Shore Drive, however we HIGHLY recommend selecting an alternate route.
- Shuttle Service (needs to be purchased ahead of time)
- Ride Sharing (Uber/Lyft)
- Metra
- Taxi
- Ride Your Bike
- We HIGHLY encourage athletes to take the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) and then head East toward the Museum of Science and Industry parking lots. Note: Google/Apple Maps or your Uber/Lyft driver may be routing you to Lake Shore Drive, however we HIGHLY recommend selecting an alternate route.
- Parking Options
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- Please keep in mind that parking is limited near the Jackson Park area
- We highly encourage all athletes + spectators that will be driving race morning to carpool, if possible.
- Your best choice for parking is the Museum of Science and Industry parking lots.
General Race Information
Get to know all the details of your race distance course, how gear check works, course closures and pace requirements, and much more via the link below!
Spectator Information
A few tips to ensure a positive race day viewing experience:
- Know exactly what corral your athlete will be in and set a meeting point and time to say your goodbyes!
- Plan your logistics, both within Jackson Park and throughout the course.
- Public transit, parking garages, cabs and/or Divvy bikes are all great options – assuming you know which roads remain open to the public.
- Learn your athlete’s estimated time to reach specific parts of the course, especially at spectator-friendly spots.
- Know what your athlete will be wearing, to easily spot them on the fly.
- Bring a snack, personal refreshments, apply sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes!