18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k

Race Date

Jan 30, 2027

Location

Chicago, IL

The Experience

The 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k is Chicago's Original Winter Half Marathon. Each year, thousands of runners flock to this community-built event, gathering in the warmth of Soldier Field's United Club before tackling wind & weather along a lakefront course that features splits every 5km. A must for anyone preparing for a spring marathon or just resolving to stay fit throughout the new year. F^3 sold out in 2016-2020 and 2023-present. Every registrant will once again receive one of our great hoodies and a medal! We will return to the warm confines of Soldier Field's United Club! The UC opens at 8 a.m. Gear check is available. The half marathon starts at 10:01 a.m. and consists of self-seeded waves in quick succession. The 5k is scheduled for 10:29 a.m. Courses close at 1:30 p.m. After the race, head to Weathermark Tavern for the afterparty! 1503 S. Michigan Ave. Free participant photos are always uploaded to flashframe.io

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, January 30, 2027

Start Time

10:01 AM

Giveaway

Where will you pick up your packet?

Start Location

1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL, 60614

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Elevation Gain

329'

Elevation Loss

346'

Max Elevation

664'

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

USATF Certified Course

IL21008NM · Expires 2031 · CARA Lakefront 10 Miler

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Course Map

1 other map for this race

Historical Performance

Median Finish

2:05:55

9:37/mi

Winning Time

0:10:52

0:50/mi

Finishers (2026)

1,551

States Represented

25 / 50

Gender Split

44% Female56% Male

Finish Time Distribution

0:103:45

FASTER 25%

1:49:51

MEDIAN

2:05:55

SLOWER 25%

2:26:01

Average runner age: 40

See Full Results

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

20°

Afternoon (High)

34°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.1"

Precipitation

16 mph

Wind

77%

Humidity

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