Chicago · United States
Half Marathon races near Chicago
12 races in 2026
next one in 12 days
Race calendar
Upcoming Half Marathon races near Chicago
JUL 4
13JUL
Run · road · Half Marathon
2026 Heartland Series - Day 3 (IN)
Portage · 52 km away
18JUL
Run · road · Half Marathon
Stan's Donut Race
Chicago · 2 km away
18JUL
Run · road · Half Marathon
Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5K (Chicago area)
Elk Grove Village · 34 km away
19JUL
Run · road · Half Marathon
Sea Me Run Nova Scotia Marathon
Barrington · 52 km away
AUG 2
2AUG
Run · road · Half Marathon
Heatwave Half Marathon - Greater Chicago
Greater Chicago · 13 km away
+7 more Half Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
23AUG
Run · trail · Half Marathon
Summer Trail Classic
Hoffman Estates · 46 km away
SEP 6
5SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Naperville Trails Half Marathon & 10K
Wheaton · 41 km away
6SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
2026 Crystal Lake Half Marathon & 12K
Crystal Lake · 71 km away
20SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Fox Valley Marathon Races
St. Charles · 57 km away
26SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Cheers to Oktoberfest Run Chicago/Evanston
Chicago · 1 km away
26SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Oktoberfest Run 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON
Chicago · 1 km away
26SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Moraine Hills Run for the Hills
McHenry · 74 km away
Chicago · 80 km
12 races mapped
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Recurring Half Marathon races near Chicago
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Des Plaines River Trail Races
Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & Hot Cider Hustle 5K
The Chicago Fall Classic is a fall race day on Chicago’s lakefront, featuring a half marathon, a 10K run/walk, and the Hot Cider Hustle 5K run/walk. Virtual 5K, 10K, and half marathon options are available, alongside a Kid’s Division 5K Fun Run. The half marathon and 10K begin simultaneously, creating a shared run fest atmosphere rather than a single-distance focus.
The courses traverse Montrose Harbor and are USATF-certified, providing runners with an officially measured route. The half marathon and 10K were formerly known as Country Sole, with the Hot Cider Hustle introducing the autumn theme to the shorter race. Upon finishing, participants receive local caramel apples and hot apple cider. Aid stations and restrooms are positioned throughout the course.
Naperville Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
The Naperville Half Marathon, 10K & 5K all start and finish near downtown Naperville, with the race village close to the center of town. The races are run on a cool October morning and give runners a choice between the half marathon, the Endeavor Health 10K, and the 5K. It is a local event with spectator support, volunteer assistance, personalized bibs, finisher medals, shirt and hoodie options, and post-race food for in-person runners.
The half marathon and 10K courses tour central Naperville, including downtown streets, historic sights, neighborhoods, and a section around Naperville North High School where runners can spot people ahead of or behind them. The course is relatively flat, which makes it friendly for steady pacing. The series also offers a virtual option, and repeat runners can earn consecutive-year finisher medals, premium awards, multi-race awards, and Chicagoland Distance Challenge medals when they qualify.
Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km
The Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km takes place in late October in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Both the half marathon and 5km begin and end near the Diversey Event Space. The event begins with costume judging prior to the start of the half marathon and 5k, allowing participants to race in attire ranging from a minor Halloween accent to a complete costume suitable for movement.
The half marathon route proceeds south along the lakefront towards the Field Museum before looping back to Lincoln Park, featuring mile markers and four aid stations. The 5k follows the same initial 1.55 miles before turning back. Costumes are a component of the day, with awards for the leading individual and group participants. The event also accommodates practical race-day needs; gear check is available for one standard backpack, which is useful if a costume incorporates an unwieldy item.
Spooky Sprint - Greater Chicago
The Spooky Sprint - Greater Chicago is an annual Halloween-themed running event in the Chicago area. It offers a half marathon, 10k, 5k, 1 mile, and a Kid's Dash. The event is designed for families and mixed groups, not exclusively serious racers, and includes chip timing, live results, and awards for the main timed races.
The shorter distances allow parents, kids, first-timers, and casual walkers to participate on the same day. The Kid's Dash is open to children 10 and under. Kids can run the Kid's Dash without charge if they opt out of the shirt and medal package. All finishers receive race items like a custom bib, designer shirt, and medal. Free participant photos and treats are available at the finish line. A virtual option allows individuals to run independently and still get the event gear.
Duneland Half Marathon and 5K
The Duneland Half Marathon and 5K begins and ends at Dogwood Park in Chesterton, Indiana. The half marathon starts first, followed shortly by the 5K Run/Walk. This event is Race #10 in the Race the Region series, with both distances contributing to series points. The half marathon course is certified, but the 5K course is not.
The event is designed for runners who prioritize efficient logistics alongside the race itself. Timing mats are placed at the start, and chip timing manages finish results. Live results are available via text or email. Directional signs mark every turn. Participants who finish will receive custom medals and shirts. Awards are presented to overall winners, masters runners, and the top three male and female participants in each age group for both races.
Halloween Trick or Trot Run 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON
The Halloween Trick or Trot Run is a small Halloween-themed run on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances, plus a family mile and a virtual option. It is designed for runners and walkers, welcoming all paces. Children may participate with a guardian, and wave sizes are limited to maintain a smaller field.
The course details are emailed to participants. The race takes place on the Lakefront Trail in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Timing is optional, without chips; runners can use an app or seek assistance from coordinators. Finishers receive a medal, shirt, towel, or giveaway, along with Halloween candy. Late registrants might receive shirts by mail after the event. Sold-out waves encourage participation in the virtual run or waitlist. The organizer also connects post-race logged miles to charitable contributions.
The Forge Trail Run Festival
Turkey Trails - Greater Chicago
Turkey Trails - Greater Chicago is a Thanksgiving-themed running event in Shorewood, Illinois, starting from Route 59 Access. Participants can select a 1 mile, 5K, 10K, or half marathon, accommodating walkers, newer runners, families, and those seeking a longer distance.
The event embraces the holiday spirit with finisher medals, designer shirts, custom bibs, complimentary participant photos, and refreshments at the finish line. The 1 mile and kids' dash are untimed. The 5K and 10K offer youth pricing for children 12 and under. The kids' dash provides children 10 and under with a mini bib, youth shirt, and medal. Chip timing, live results, and awards are provided for the main timed races. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend in Shorewood.
Thanksgiving Gobble Trot Run 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON
The Thanksgiving Turkey Gobble Trot is a holiday run held in Chicago and Evanston, offering 5K, 10K, and 13.1-mile distances. It is designed for Thanksgiving, with the straightforward aim of a run or walk before the holiday meal. A kids run is also available for families seeking a shorter option.
The event adopts the "Wobble Before You Gobble" slogan and embraces a turkey-trot atmosphere instead of a competitive racing focus. It accommodates families, friends, community groups, walkers, and runners. Race perks include commemorative items like a long-sleeve shirt or fleece pullover, along with a Do-Rite donuts partnership at the finish.
18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k
F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k is a winter running event in Chicago, beginning inside Soldier Field's United Club before runners head out to the lakefront. It features both a half marathon and a 5k, attracting thousands of participants. This event addresses two Chicago-specific needs: a challenging cold-weather test for spring marathon preparation and a structured method to maintain activity post-New Year.
The course runs along the lakefront, with wind and winter conditions intentionally part of the challenge. The half marathon course includes splits at every 5km. Participants start in self-seeded waves, and the race is open to individuals aged 12 and older. All registrants receive a hoodie and a medal. Beyond standard race amenities, prize money is awarded to top overall and masters finishers, free participant photos are published post-race, and the post-race gathering takes place at Weathermark Tavern on South Michigan Avenue.
Chi Town Half Marathon & 10K
The Chi Town Half Marathon & 10K is a Chicago race series with two distances: a half marathon and a 10K. Both routes are USATF certified, and the race is built around the city’s lakefront, with runners moving through Lincoln Park and along Lake Michigan.
The setup is practical for everyday runners, with aid stations and plenty of toilets along the course. At the finish, the race leans into its Chicago identity with Portillo’s and Chicago-inspired finisher medals, and the series has already marked a decade of running in the city.
Looking for something else near Chicago?
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Chicago Grit 2026
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Family Fun Ride at the Tour of Lake Ellyn
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JUL 2619 km away
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Great Lake Plunge
JUL 2661 km away
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About Half Marathon races in Chicago
Chicago Training Notes
Chicago hosts 25 Half Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
The path runs 5 miles and lets you turn around anywhere. CARA makes marathon blocks easier with Saturday hydration stations, and Fleet Feet keeps 3-mile store runs moving from Old Town, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, South Loop, and Oak Park. Neighborhood clubs give the city its pulse: Pilsen’s Venados, Rainbow Runners, Frontrunners, Blue Line Run Club, Lakeview Run Club, South Loop Run Club, and Peace Runners 773 all have their lanes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the anchor event, and Mount Roos waits at the end.
Locals ride the lake when they want Z2 and views, then leave town for power curve work. The city gives you 139 miles of bike lanes, 70 miles of protected bike lanes, neighborhood greenways, and off-street trails. Chicago Cycling Club, MTC3, Half Acre Cycling, Turbo Tuesday, PSIMET WNR, Pedal & Social, and Chicago United Bite Rides cover everything from party pace to drop-ride heat. The Des Plaines River Trail and North Branch Unpaved Trail handle nearby dirt, and the I&M Canal keeps things quieter. Swallow Cliff brings an 8 mile crushed-limestone loop, and Palos can break you with the climbs. The All Spoked Up spring challenge is the anchor.
Spring and autumn give Chicago its best training windows, and locals treat those short seasons like gold. Summer brings hot, humid miles, early starts, lakefront breezes, and plenty of water stops. Lake Michigan keeps some lakefront days cooler when the wind comes off the water. Winter changes the kit before it changes the plan. Cyclists lean on balaclavas, ski goggles, heated mittens, studded tires, or fat bikes when snow and ice show up. Runners keep base miles going when paths clear. The lakefront path curve north of Oak Street Beach deserves respect when ice and water sit on it.