Chicago Spring Half Marathon
Chicago Spring Half Marathon delivers a fast, flat point-to-point with iconic skyline views.
Race Date
May 17, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K run | kids run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 60,975
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Runners line up for exclusive access to Lake Shore Drive, greeted by Chicago’s skyline and the city’s historic Southside. The point-to-point course is flat and gently downhill, a certified PR magnet that has drawn a record ~6,800 finishers from 46 states in its 16th edition.
The course unfolds along paved roads, with the lakefront and downtown views serving as a constant backdrop. The atmosphere is electric—thousands of runners, many returning for another year (13% loyalty rate), create a big-crowd buzz. Spring weather is cooperative, with average temps of 53–70°F and minimal rain.
Crossing the finish line feels earned and fast. The post-race celebration, including a concurrent 10K and kids run, caps a well-organized morning. With a growing field and consistent quality, the Chicago Spring Half Marathon has cemented itself as a top spring destination race.
Race-provided description
Hit the pavement for exclusive access to Lake Shore Drive, historic Southside neighborhoods and unrivaled skyline views.
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.61 m
Separation
1.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IL24015NM
Net uphill grade — expect a more challenging race. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8316 years running
~5,344 finishers a year
growing or steady
13% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 9 photos
runners from 46 states
winner 0:49:55
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
53°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 60,975 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
60,975
Median time
2:16:57
Latest turnout
6,768
States
51
Turnout by year
2017–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Chicago Spring Half Marathon?
The Chicago Spring Half Marathon is held on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Where does the Chicago Spring Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Chicago, Illinois.
What distances does the Chicago Spring Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K run | kids run.
Is the Chicago Spring Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Chicago Spring Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Chicago Spring Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 60,975 runners who have completed the Chicago Spring Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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