18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k
Chicago's original winter half marathon returns to Soldier Field with a fast, flat lakefront course.
Race Date
Jan 30, 2027
Location
Chicago, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 30, 2027
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 21,606
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Chicago's original winter half marathon, the F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k, has been a fixture since 2012, now in its 15th year. Thousands of runners, typically around 1,500 finishers, gather in the warmth of Soldier Field's United Club before braving the elements for a challenging yet rewarding run along the lakefront.
The course is a certified, net-downhill loop, designed for speed and favorable for personal bests, with splits provided every 5km. Runners can expect a fast, flat profile, though Chicago's notorious winter winds can add an extra layer of challenge to this out-and-back route.
This community-built event boasts strong loyalty, with about 38% of participants returning each year, drawing runners from approximately 25 states. The race offers a festive atmosphere, culminating in an afterparty at Weathermark Tavern, and all participants receive a hoodie and a finisher's medal.
Race-provided description
The 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k is Chicago's Original Winter Half Marathon. Each year, thousands of runners flock to this community-built event, gathering in the warmth of Soldier Field's United Club before tackling wind & weather along a lakefront course that features splits every 5km. A must for anyone preparing for a spring marathon or just resolving to stay fit throughout the new year. F^3 sold out in 2016-2020 and 2023-present. Every registrant will once again receive one of our great hoodies and a medal! We will return to the warm confines of Soldier Field's United Club! The UC opens at 8 a.m. Gear check is available. The half marathon starts at 10:01 a.m. and consists of self-seeded waves in quick succession. The 5k is scheduled for 10:29 a.m. Courses close at 1:30 p.m. After the race, head to Weathermark Tavern for the afterparty! 1503 S. Michigan Ave. Free participant photos are always uploaded to flashframe.io
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Start Time
10:01 AM
Giveaway
Where will you pick up your packet?
Start Location
1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago, IL, 60614
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.05 m
Separation
1.3%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IL18061NM · F3 Lake Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8215 years running
~1,672 finishers a year
shrinking
38% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 25 states
winner 0:38:12
typical high 34°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
20°
Afternoon (High)
34°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
16 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 21,606 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
21,606
Median time
2:06:07
Latest turnout
1,534
States
44
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k?
The 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k is held on Saturday, January 30, 2027, starting at 10:01 AM.
Where does the 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k take place?
It takes place in Chicago, Illinois.
What distances does the 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k course flat and good for a PR?
The 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 21,606 runners who have completed the 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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