The Chicago Lakefront Spring 50K course is USATF certified, consisting of 3 out-and-back 10.33 mile segments run entirely along Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Bike Path. The course is flat, fast and roughly 70% crushed limestone with the balance asphalt (you can run in the grass most of the time). One of …
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The Chicago Lakefront Spring 50K course is USATF certified, consisting of 3 out-and-back 10.33 mile segments run entirely along Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Bike Path. The course is flat, fast and roughly 70% crushed limestone with the balance asphalt (you can run in the grass most of the time). One of the flattest 50k’s in North America.
The race starts and finishes on Chicago’s lakefront, at Jackson Park’s 63rd Street Beach House.
Chicago Parks / Safety Issues
The Chicago Lakefront 50K will weave through a long, narrow strip of parkland known as Jackson Park and Burnham Park. The entire shoreline of Chicago is a multi-use park, shared by runners, bikers, bladers, boaters, golfers, fishermen, museum goers, dog walkers and every other form of leisure, pedestrian traffic (although all these activities are relatively subdued in late October/November).
On race day, as every day, the park will be open to the public. Please be aware of this and use common sense and caution when negotiating the various paths throughout the park. The general public will probably be unaware that a race is in progress since we are small in number compared to larger 5K and 10K running races in Chicagoland. Park patrons are generally friendly and cheerful and you can expect them to yield the path if they see you coming. Please run defensively and give a wide berth or verbal warning when passing from behind.
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Tiny & Perfect Race. 36 Hours in Chicago
This is a locals race designed for those who want more distance, with the half marathon as an afterthought, but I really enjoyed it. Don't be thrown off by the … MORE
This is a locals race designed for those who want more distance, with the half marathon as an afterthought, but I really enjoyed it. Don’t be thrown off by the lack of fancy website, they really have their act together and it’s well done. Weather was beautiful if a bit cold (wear warm gloves). No need to arrive more than 30 minutes in advance – but join the porta potty line immediately when you do.
Chicago Highlights: Art Institute of Chicago – give yourself a few hours – take a tour and bring ear buds. The bean, Chicago Architecture boat tour (not the other guys), Starbucks roastery – after 8am, the rookery.
Flat & Fast 50K
If you want a fast 50K time, head to Chicago. Not sure there is a flatter & faster 50K available in our area. They offer a springtime event and also … MORE
If you want a fast 50K time, head to Chicago. Not sure there is a flatter & faster 50K available in our area. They offer a springtime event and also a 50K & a 50 miler in the fall. Spring race is on the Northside, fall race is Southside. Great events. Lots of aid stations filled with tons of snacks and real foods. Easy to follow course. No hills. No roots or rocks to trip over! Majority of the course is on the paved lakefront path. Good race!