Life Time Chicago Half Marathon
Congratulations, Athletes!
The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon gives you the chance to run on traffic restricted Lake Shore Drive! This flat, scenic, fast course is the perfect setting for your next PR. Once you cross the finish line, half marathon participants will be greeting by a huge crowd of supporters and that famously large #ChiHalf finisher medal. Once you’ve made it through the finish chute, the fun really begins in the finish fest area. Think live music, delicious post-race food, and fun activations from our partners. Make the 28th of September a day you’ll never forget!
Age Requirement
Age limit for the half marathon distance is 14 and over. This means if your child will be 14 by the date of the race (9/28/2025), they are able to participate in this distance.
Awards
Awards will be given to the top three overall male, female and non-binary finishers. Additional awards will be given to the top three men and women in the following age groups:
19 & Under | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70-79 | 80-89 | 90+
*Award winners who wish to receive their award but do not pick up on race day may select to have their award mailed. Shipping charges will apply.
Course
- This scenic half marathon course starts in Historic Jackson Park, site of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, and journeys north, giving you picturesque views of Lake Michigan and the famous Chicago Skyline. After the turnaround, the course then takes runners along Chicago’s south Lake Shore Drive, providing glimpses of Chicago’s historic southside neighborhoods like Kenwood and Hyde Park. As participants get closer to the 13.1 mark, they’ll be able to spot the Museum of Science and Industry campus before a triumphant finish at the golden Statue of the Republic.
- A 16-minute mile pace goes into effect as soon as the last participant crosses the start line. This is to ensure our clean-up crew can work to immediately reopen the course at specific time intervals and lessen the community impact of closing Lake Shore Drive.
*Course and times are subject to change.
Para Athletes
At Life Time, we’re committed to providing a positive experience for every athlete that participates in our events. Our newest partnership with Dare2tri will ensure that we live up to that commitment by offering a guide pairing service to any athlete that requires one.
Participants Receive
- Custom-designed HUGE Finisher’s Medal
- Custom-designed long-sleeve tech tee
- Access to the lively post-race Finish Festival
- Post-race food and refreshments
- Runner goody bag and much more!
Race Day Schedule
From Gear Check opening to the Awards Ceremonies, get the scoop on the important times and locations you need to know as a participant or spectator at the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K.
| Time | Event | Location |
| 4:30 AM | First Shuttles depart | Belmont "L" Station (Reservation Only) |
| 4:45 AM | First Shuttles depart | Millennium Park (Reservation Only) |
| 5:00 AM | Gear Check & Will Call open | Finish Festival |
| 5:30 AM | Start Corrals open | Along E Hayes Dr, north of the Statue of the Golden Lady |
| 5:30 AM | Last shuttles depart | Millennium & Belmont stops |
| 6:00 AM | Lake Shore Drive closes | (between 31st and 67th Streets) |
| 6:45 AM | Half Marathon corrals close | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 6:50 AM | Opening Ceremony / CPD Honor Guard | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 6:57 AM | Para Athlete Start (Half Marathon) | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 7:00 AM | Chicago Half Marathon Start | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 7:30 AM | Half Marathon Start Line closes | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 7:35 AM | 5K Para Athlete Start | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 7:45 AM | 5K Race Start | E. Hayes Dr. |
| 8:00 AM | Finish Festival begins | Jackson Park, north of E. Hayes Dr. |
| 9:00 AM | Awards ceremony | Finish Fest Stage - Overall only (Age group awards can be picked up at the Results tent starting at 9:30am) |
| 9:30 AM (exact time pending road openings) | Shuttles begin to depart | Jackson Park for Belmont & Millennium stations |
| 10:00 AM | Kids Run Chicago Starts | E. Hayes Dr. (northeast of the Golden Lady) |
| 11:30 AM | Course and Finish Line close | Jackson Park / Lake Shore Dr. |
| 12:00 PM | Finish Festival & Gear Check Close / Last Shuttles depart | Jackson Park |