Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K
Life Time Chicago Half Marathon: fast lakefront running with skyline views.
Race Date
Sep 28, 2025
Location
Chicago, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 213,008
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Starting and finishing in historic Jackson Park, the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon draws nearly 8,800 runners from 49 states for a flat, fast course along Lake Shore Drive. The closed road winds through vibrant Southside neighborhoods with the Chicago skyline as a constant backdrop and lakefront breezes to keep you cool.
With 27 editions under its belt and a loyal 13% repeat-runner rate, this race has become a fall tradition. The point-to-loop course is a PR magnet, and the post-race festival rewards finishers with a huge medal, live music, and plenty of food. Whether you're chasing a Boston qualifier or just taking in the city from a unique angle, this well-organized event delivers a top-tier urban half-marathon experience.
Race-provided description
Join us in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park this fall as we close down Lake Shore Drive to celebrate the 28th Annual Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5k. Take in the vibrant neighborhoods, lakefront breezes and breathtaking cityscapes from a unique vantage point and claim your HUGE finisher medal at the post-race festival.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Please select your athlete shirt size.
Start Location
Jackson Park, Chicago, IL, 60637
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Lake River
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7228 years running
~8,824 finishers a year
growing or steady
12% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 48 states
winner 1:08:34
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 213,008 finishers actually crossed the line across 28 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
213,008
Median time
2:15:47
Latest turnout
9,252
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K?
The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K is held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K take place?
It takes place in Chicago, Illinois.
What distances does the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 213,008 runners who have completed the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon + 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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