Bank of America Chicago 13.1
Chicago, IL
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers runners a unique experience, bringing a world-class half marathon to the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The 13.1-mile course weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park with scenic loops through Humboldt and Douglass … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 07):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 82 | 77 | 79 | 74 | 71 |
| L (°F) | 67 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 58 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Flat fast course, unlucky with the heat
My first time running this race and it was warm at the start. Also it was sunny, which made it tougher. In the latter part of the race there wasn’t … MORE
My first time running this race and it was warm at the start. Also it was sunny, which made it tougher. In the latter part of the race there wasn’t much cover from the sun. Other runners that ran it last year said that 2025 had cooler temperatures so this was just unlucky in 2026.
My garmin clocked a whopping 70 feet of elevation gain, so this was definitely flat. But heat is my kryptonite so I definitely wasn’t fast.
Other race logistics.
* Port-o-potties – quite a number of them but lines were long. There was a section for just urinals for men and that moved super quick.
* Race volunteers checked the bibs for corral assignments and enforced them. I saw people getting turned away that were trying to move up corrals.
* Race started exactly on time.
My only complaint was that the finisher medal was meh.
Ok race
The course was primarily flat, weaving through several parks in Chicago’s west-side neighborhoods. However, the route included a few potholes, one of which led to me twisting my ankle and … MORE
The course was primarily flat, weaving through several parks in Chicago’s west-side neighborhoods. However, the route included a few potholes, one of which led to me twisting my ankle and overall, the scenery was fairly limited. On a positive note, the spectators and volunteers were enthusiastic and very supportive throughout the race. Bib pickup was quite congested and could benefit from better organization, potentially by using a more suitable location. Additionally, given the scale of the race and the high registration fee, I would have expected a more substantial swag package.
Nice season opener (ish) in Chicago
- Smooth shuttle service - Nice post-race party - Not great scenery, weird "loop" in the middle of the course - like running through a cul-de-sac - Not enough port-o-potties MORE
– Smooth shuttle service
– Nice post-race party
– Not great scenery, weird “loop” in the middle of the course – like running through a cul-de-sac
– Not enough port-o-potties
Inaugural race
The race took place in West Chicago so it is a bit different from the traditional setting of being right by the lake for the Chicago marathon. I think the … MORE
The race took place in West Chicago so it is a bit different from the traditional setting of being right by the lake for the Chicago marathon.
I think the logistics and course were fine. The course was pretty flat. The route consisted of looping around Humboldt, Garfield, and Douglas park. It wasn’t a very scenic course but it was well marked and had great crowd support.
Well organized but not much to see
This was the inaugural run of this race. It is well outside of the city where races normally take place. It was extremely well organized, had plenty of water on … MORE
This was the inaugural run of this race. It is well outside of the city where races normally take place. It was extremely well organized, had plenty of water on the course, including wet sponges which was a major bonus! However, once outside of the parks, there isn’t much to look at and there is no shade to be found. On a hot day this course could be brutal. There was no real swag to speak of, but the after party had beer and an area for kids to play.
Chicago's West Side Wonder
BOA Chicago 13.1 has entered the crowded area half marathon field. The team that produces the World Major, Chicago Marathon has put together a half that shows a side of … MORE
BOA Chicago 13.1 has entered the crowded area half marathon field. The team that produces the World Major, Chicago Marathon has put together a half that shows a side of town that many visitors never see.
This course was fantastic: All of it through the historic boulevards and Olmstead parks of the city’s West Side. Beautiful leafy parks. There was a flat part, and then another flat part, and then it was flat some more.
Only 2,700 in this first year, but it was full of the seamless professionalism, conscious sustainability and clever branding you find at the marathon.
The day was full of people saying either, “Welcome to the West Side” or “Gosh, I have never been in this neighborhood before”. The most racially diverse running crowd that I have ever seen – the whole running community. It made me proud to see our city and people. The newest half marathon in Chicago might have just taken 1st Place.
https://www.chicago13point1.com/