Course Closures / Pace Requirements
The Chicago Half Marathon is the city’s only road race to utilize an entirely traffic-free Lake Shore Drive. Witnessing the sweeping views along one of the nation’s most famous and scenic roadways requires intricate coordination with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).
In order to lessen the community impact of closing Lake Shore Drive (and surrounding streets), this event offers a 16-minute mile pace requirement.
A 16-minute mile pace goes into effect as soon as the last participant crosses the start line and is maintained by the Back of the Pack Crew – a group of volunteer runners who encourage runners to stay on-pace. The Back of the Pack Crew is followed by the SAG van and a clean-up crew, who work to immediately reopen the course at specific time intervals.
Participants who do not maintain the 16-minute pace and fall behind the Back of the Pack Crew will have two options:
- Move to south bound Lake Shore Drive, which can be accessed at three different locations/checkpoints along Lake Shore Drive.
- Board the SAG van and be transported to the nish line.
The Finish Line will remain open until 11:30 a.m. Gear Check and the Finish Festival will close at 12:00 p.m.
Beat the Clock! In order to meet the pace requirement, we offer the following mile locations, south bound Lake Shore Drive access points and times to help you stay on pace:
Mile 2.6 8:00 a.m. Marquette & Lake Shore Drive (North Bound) Directed to 5K Finish Mile 3.6 8:20 a.m. Hayes Dr. & Lake Shore Drive (North Bound) Directed to 5K Finish Mile 6 8:51 a.m. 47th Street & Lake Shore Drive (North Bound) Directed to south bound Mile 7.5 9:15 a.m. Oakwood & Lake Shore Drive (North Bound) Directed to south bound
PLEASE DO NOT START EARLY! Traffic and safety rules prohibit early starts. Early starts will be eliminated from the Official Results. If you cannot maintain a 16-minute per pace mile, you will be required to divert to the Lakefront Trail.
SAG Support / Back of the Pack Crew
The Back of the Pack Crew and SAG van will signify the end of the field and the maximum 16-minute per mile pace. They will not start timing until the last person crosses the Start Line and will be with you throughout the race. If you cannot keep pace, you will be directed to turn around and head toward the Finish on south bound Lake Shore Drive or to board the SAG Van.