Half Marathon races near Hyde Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Naperville Women’s Half Marathon and 5K begins at North Central College each April, offering participants a choice between a 13.1-mile half marathon or a 5K. This spring road race is designed for women, emphasizing fitness, community, and a course suitable for both competitive runners and those preferring a more relaxed pace. Both the half marathon and 5K courses traverse downtown Naperville and its historic areas, featuring flat, fast, USATF-certified roads. The race concludes on the track within Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, providing a stadium finish after the urban streets, accompanied by spectator encouragement throughout the route.