Athlete Guide
May 16-18, 2025
Run the City In Bloom
We are thrilled to host athletes from all over the world for one of the most picturesque races on the Chicagoland event schedule. Whether you’re an experienced endurance athlete or a first-time participant, we applaud you for taking on the challenge and joining us for what is to be an amazing celebration of Springtime in the Chi.
As a friendly reminder, we want everyone to understand that the Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of your athleticism, hard work, and determination. As you prepare for race day, know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
As you finalize your preparations, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the course details, review the race guidelines, and take advantage of our athlete resources available online and on-site. Our team is committed to ensuring that your experience is both rewarding and enjoyable.
We look forward to seeing you at the starting line and cheering you on to the finish!
All-In-One Athlete Tracking
Live Web Tracker – See times and current pace within seconds of a participant crossing each split point. Estimated times will be provided based on current pace.
Live Leaderboard – See who is winning via the Live Leaderboard. Top runners in each category will be displayed in real-time as they lead the way through the course.
Live Map Tracking – Participant locations will be plotted on the Interactive Course Map as progress is made on course. The position of each participant is estimated based on the most recent timing received from the bib read. Note: Participants do not need to carry their phones for this feature to work.
Mobile App – Features include Live Participant Tracking, Push Notifications, Leaderboards, Map Tracking, Event Messages, Event Info and more. Click here to download the app.
*Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.
Pre-Race Information
Race Weekend Schedule
Packet Pickup
- Location: Chicago Athletic Association | 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Friday, May 16 | 11:00AM – 7:00PM
- Saturday, May 17 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Race Day (Sunday, May 18)
| Time | Event | Location |
| 5:30 AM | Junior Dash Registration Opens (based on availability) | Butler Field |
| 5:30 AM | Will Call Opens for 10K & Half Marathon *There is no separate will call for the 10K |
Butler Field |
| 5:30 AM | Gear Check Opens | Butler Field |
| 6:00 AM | Start Corrals for Half Marathon Opens | Columbus Drive |
| 6:30 AM | Will Call Closes for 10K & Half Marathon *If 10K will calls are not picked up by 6:30 AM you will not be able to start. |
Butler Field |
| 6:45 AM | Junior Dash Registration Closes | |
| 6:45 AM | Half Marathon Start Corrals Close |
Columbus/Monroe |
| 7:00 AM | HALF MARATHON START | Columbus Drive |
| 7:25 AM | 10K Start Corrals Opens | Columbus Drive |
| 7:40 AM | 10K Start Corrals Close |
Columbus Drive |
| 7:45 AM | 10K RACE START | Columbus Drive |
| 8:00 AM | Spring Market Finish Festival Opens | Butler Field |
| 9:30 AM | Half Marathon & 10K Awards Ceremony | Butler Field |
| 10:00 AM | JUNIOR DASH START | Skating Ribbon at Butler Field |
| 11:30 AM | Course Closes | |
| 12:00 PM | Gear Check Closes | Butler Field |
*Information listed in the race weekend schedules are subject to change. Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X for any immediate event updates.
Packet Pickup
Location & Schedule
- Chicago Athletic Association | 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Friday, May 16 | 11:00AM – 7:00PM
- Saturday, May 17 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Your Race Weekend Starts Here
- Before you celebrate Spring in the heart of the city, don’t forget to pick up your race packet, filled with your participant shirt, race bib, and more!
Travel
Hotel Bookings
- If you’re traveling from out of town or wish to stay closer to the race venue during the weekend, you can take advantage of the best hotel rates available in the marketplace through our hotel partner – Hotel Planner. This partnership provides the following advantages to make your stay in the windy city a breeze.
Air Travel
If you plan on flying into Chicago, you have two airport options: Chicago Midway (MDW), located 11 miles southwest of downtown, and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) located 15 miles northwest of the city.
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- At Midway, the L Train line that operates from the airport to the Loop is the Orange Line. Additionally, you can order a rideshare service, taxi cab, and shuttle buses. For more information, please visit the link below.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- At O’Hare, the L Train line that operates from the airport to the Loop is the Blue Line. Additionally, you can order a rideshare service, taxi cab, and shuttle buses. For more information, please visit the link below.
VIP EXPERIENCE
- Participants who purchase the VIP package should plan to retrieve their race bib plus VIP items at the VIP Booth at Packet Pickup.
- VIP wristbands must be worn in order to enter the VIP tent. The Kids VIP package is required for all children ages 5-17. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who has purchased their own separate VIP wristband, at all times. There are no refunds or deferrals for VIP packages.
- The VIP Gear Check is located inside the VIP Finish Festival area. Please ensure all items are placed in the provided Gear Check bag and the tag from your bib is safely secured for easy drop-off.
- Only athletes who purchase Will Call can pick up their items on race morning. All others must plan to retrieve at packet pickup.
- Hot breakfast and coffee will be served in the VIP Finish Festival area. Those 21 and over will be able to enjoy the open bar.
- Those who purchase VIP will have access to private portable restrooms within the VIP Finish Festival Area.
Race Day Information
Race Morning Logistics
- How to Get There & Where to Park
- Race Location
- Butler Field | S Lake Shore Dr & E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60601
- Race Location
- Transportation Options
- These are the best transportation options we recommend on race morning.
- Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)
- Make sure you schedule your ride ahead of time to not have to worry about possible long wait times in the early morning.
- CTA (Bus or Train)
- Taxi
- Metra
- Divvy Bikes or Scooters
- Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)
- If you plan to drive your vehicle to the event, parking is available at Millennium Garages. More information can be found via the link below.
- These are the best transportation options we recommend on race morning.
- Parking Options
- Please keep in mind that parking is limited near Millennium Park/Grant Park area
- We highly encourage all athletes + spectators that will be driving race morning to carpool, if possible.
- Your best option for parking is to reserve your spot in Millennium Garages. Find out how to reserve your spot by visiting the link below.
General Race Information
Get to know all the details of your race distance course, how gear check works, course closures and pace requirements, and much more via the link below!
Finish Festival
Get the scoop on everything going on after you cross the finish line via the link below!
Spectator Information
- A few tips to ensure a positive race day viewing experience:
- Know exactly what corral your athlete will be in and set a meeting point and time to say your goodbyes!
- Plan your logistics, both within Butler Field, the Grant Park area, and throughout the course.
- Public transit, parking garages, cabs and/or Divvy bikes are all great options – assuming you know which roads remain open to the public.
- Learn your athlete’s estimated time to reach specific parts of the course, especially at spectator-friendly spots.
- Know what your athlete will be wearing, to easily spot them on the fly.
- Bring a snack, personal refreshments, apply sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes!