If you’re planning to run a half marathon in Illinois, don’t miss out on these races which are consistently rated the best by those who have run them.
Chicago Half Marathon & 5K – Chicago
Many consider this half among the premier half marathon events in the nation. Chicago’s self-proclaimed “hometown race” is one of the largest half marathons in the United States, and is typically run in late September or early October. The race offers the chance to run through some of the most famous and picturesque parts of the City of Big Shoulders. Click here to read more about the Chicago Half Marathon.
The Course
This one is built for speed. The course is out and back along Chicago’s famed Lake Shore Drive, with the starting line in Jackson Park, site of the 1893 World’s Fair. You won’t find another major half marathon flatter than this one. Many a runner has scored a personal best here.
Image Source: www.chicagohalfmarathon.com
Reviews
“It was the first time I ran it and will definitely be running it again next year.” – Ashley, run blogger
“The race seemed well organized from my perspective, and the course could easily be a PR run.” – Jess, Yelp Review
Naperville Half Marathon – Naperville
A great Illinois half that’s off the beaten path, the scenic course through this small town is an alternative to some of the bigger Chicago halves. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
This Boston Marathon Qualifying Race offers a scenic run through the neighborhoods and downtown area of Naperville, a suburb of Chicago. Participants rave about the community support for the race, even while citing the challenging hills.
Image Source: City of Naperville
Reviews
“Beautiful scenery with lots of turns which kept it interesting. I didn’t think the hills were too bad. I’d recommend this course to anyone. Crowd was great, town was great, just a beautiful day and an awesome time! Thank you to everyone!” – Jennifer, Facebook review
“This a very well organized small marathon. For a field this small, the crowd support is fantastic. Course is scenic, taking you through downtown, neighborhoods and stretches of what feels like the country.” -Arron, Facebook Review
Chicago Polar Dash Half Marathon – Chicago
For more adventurous runners, this race offers a new experience and even better stories to tell. Finishers talk about the joy of braving the elements of a Chicago winter to take on a USATF Certified course. Click here to learn more.
The Course
This winter foray into the streets of the Windy City bills itself as a “fun and frosty adventure”. The course begins in famous Grant Park, continues down the scenic lake shore of chilly Lake Michigan, and back. And when you finish, there’s hot chocolate waiting for you at the finish line!
Image Source: chicagopolardash.org
Reviews
“Great race! Not crowded. … Nice support, lake path. I liked this race and would do it again….” – Kristin S., Yelp Review
“What a beautiful path along the lakefront for some scenery! A quick turnaround at 35th street and the path takes you back along the skyline view! This was a well run race and the volunteers braved the cold weather to help out and I can’t thank them enough for standing out in that! The medal at the finish line was about as good as it gets!” – Frank N., BibRave Review
Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon
The Chicago entry in the Rock n Roll series, this race seeks to expose runners to the music of the city. Live bands turn this half marathon into your own personal block party. After the race, it’s more than just bananas and bagels: a post-race, finish-line concert featuring big name musical acts makes this more than an average race.
The Course
A new course in 2016 promises to “celebrate the color and culture” of Chicago, and to bring participants a “musical running tour” from start to finish. With a start and finish near the Lake Michigan lakefront, the course ventures beyond the standard lake-shore out and back featured by several other races.
Image Source: www.runrocknroll.com
Reviews
”This was my first Rock n Roll series race. I Loved it. One of the best races I’ve been to. The expo was awesome! Very well organized.” – Kirsty B., Facebook Review
“GREAT Race to run if you are not a fan of the marathon distance, but want to challenge yourself to a half (or even a 10k/5K since they now offer that here). I have run this race every year since I moved to the city back in 2012 and it seems to get better each year.” – Claire M., Yelp Review
Chicagoland Spring Half Marathon – Schaumburg
This low-cost race with a smaller field allows runners a better shot at age-group awards. The USATF Certified course offers all the opportunities of a race in the Chicagoland area, but without the crowd.
The Course
The out-and-back race begins in Schaumburg’s business district before passing through scenic Busse Woods, as well as mid-western lake and prairie views.
Reviews
“Nice half marathon in Schaumburg. Registration prices are not too expensive and the gear All Community Events gives for this event is usually pretty good…. There is a ton of free parking right next to the race and the course is pretty good overall. Overall a good race in the suburbs.” – Kyle C., Yelp Review
“The after party was a lot of fun! Pancakes, eggs and sausage breakfast buffet! All nestled inside this really pretty park. It had a different feel to it. Not huge and expansive like Columbus drive or buckingham fountain after parties. But cozier and livelier!” – Lisa B., BibRave Review
Illinois Marathon Half – Champaign-Urbana
This race offers the opportunity to get away from Illinois’ biggest city and check out the college town of Champaign-Urbana. Feel like a champ running to the finish line inside the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium.
Source: runinfinity.com
The Course
The race loops through the University of Illinois campus, continues through Urbana, then returns to the campus before finishing on the 50-yard line in the home of the Fighting Illini.
Reviews
“I had an awesome experience at the 2015 race. There were still a ton of people who stood out in the rain for hours to support all the runners. Finishing a long race like this is a triumph no matter who’s running, and it’s great to see people who recognize and appreciate it. To all the organizers and volunteers, well done!” – Shane E., Yelp Review
“Excellent use of the football stadium. If you’re a big Illini fan, this is a huge rush to finish on the football field.” – Abhay S., Yelp Review
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon – Springfield
Fans of Illinois’ favorite presidential son can immerse themselves in a bit of presidential history and knock out a half marathon at the same time. Take in some of the historic sites associated with President Lincoln in the city where he gained fame.
The Course
The race runs begins and ends at the Old State Capitol. Runners take in a scenic course that includes Lincoln’s home, his law office, and his final resting place at Oak Ridge. Runners finish back at the Old Capitol for a celebration of the sixteenth president with food and music.
Reviews
“This race rules. It’s a smaller race, but very competitive, flat and fun.” – Julia M., BibRave Review
“It sure was a fun event. The course is very pretty, albeit not-easy. The entry fee is perfect and it’s a close getaway from home. I would highly suggest this event – especially if you don’t already have their famous giant penny medal.” – Jess, Blogger Review