Each May, Chicago rolls out the tulip carpet signaling the arrival of Spring to the entire city. During his term in office, Mayor Richard Daley made the beautification of this city a main priority; citing the need to attract and enthrall tourists and residents alike.

The tradition of planting tulips was made in honor of his late former wife, Maggie Daley, who was known for her love of the flower. In fact, the pink hued bulbs found on Michigan Avenue are unique to Chicago and named “Tulipa Maggie Daley”

This year as Chicago emerges from the icy tendrils of winter passing, the #ChiSpringHalf & 10K participant shirt honors this tradition not only with our new Spring Market Finish Festival venue at Maggie Daley Park but with our blooming participant shirts. Participants will randomly receive 1 of 2 colors when collecting their race packet.