The Chicago Half Marathon

Denise ran a PR today. We got up early, at 4, to warm up, eat, and prepare. There was the usual confusion....making coffee, eating peanut butter sandwiches, me realizing that I'd brought one of her racing singlets.


The Chicago Half Marathon begins and ends in Jackson Park. After a couple of turns in the park, it follows South Lake Shore Drive roughly 5.5 miles northward to just beyond Bumham Park, then turns south and returns to the finish near the start. This turnaround occurs at 8.5 miles, so at this point the runner is over half done, confusing some who instinctively feel that the turnaround in an out-and-back would be at the halfway mark. The course itself is flat, fast, and scenic. Lake Shore Drive runs through a string of parks, flanked on the west by gleaming buildings and on the left by a gleaming lake.

Race management is excellent. When they tell you not to drive, don't. Most of Chicago's hotels are clustered around a vibrant downtown. The race start is best approached by a brief walk south to Millennium Park where shuttles bring runners to the starting area. Give yourself plenty of time; board the shuttle at least an hour before race start. There are 18,000 runners converging on Jackson Park.

The Expo is on Navy Pier: walking distance from the downtown hotels. It is large for a half marathon, and well-run also. This year's speakers included Jenny Hadfield and Dane Rauschenberg, both exuberant speakers for the running movement.

Chicago is an excellent running destination. There are plenty of attractions to entertain after the race. I recommend staying an extra few days to enjoy the restaurants, museums, shopping, parks, and other attractions....all within walking distance of the downtown.