Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Chicago Fall Classic: a flat, fast lakeside half with fall flavors.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon draws nearly 1,000 runners from 32 states to a flat, USATF-certified course along Lake Michigan. Starting near Montrose Harbor, the route weaves between the city skyline and the lakefront, with cool fall temperatures and a gentle net drop that makes it a PR-friendly favorite.
Aid stations and portable toilets line the course, and the finish line rewards runners with local caramel apples, hot apple cider, and beer for those 21 and over. The steady field size and broad geographic draw speak to its growing appeal as a destination race for half-marathoners seeking a fast, scenic autumn run.
Race-provided description
You’re invited to the Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Finish line goods will feature local caramel apples, hot apple cider and beer (21+)! #ChicagoFallClassic Woven between the famed Chicago lakefront and skyline, the Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K tours through Montrose Harbor on USATF-certified courses. Aid stations and plenty of toilets will be provided along the course. Event times, dates, location and all other details are subject to change prior to event. All official information is on the event's website AllCommunityEvents.com.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
7:15 AM
Giveaway
Unisex Event Shirt
Start Location
601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.19 m
Separation
1.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IL24034NM · Chicago Fall Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Solid Pick591 year running
~975 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 5 photos
runners from 32 states
winner 1:12:24
typical high 61°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
61°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
16 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K?
The Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 7:15 AM.
Where does the Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K take place?
It takes place in Chicago, Illinois.
What distances does the Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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