Athlete Guide
May 15-17, 2026
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 & 5K 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!
Pre-Race Information
Race Weekend Schedule
Race Weekend Schedule
| Time | Event | Location |
| Friday, May 15 | ||
| 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Packet Pick-up | Chicago Athletic Association |
| Sat, May 16 | ||
| 9:00 AM | Shakeout Run | Chicago Athletic Association |
| 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Packet Pick-up | Chicago Athletic Association |
| Sun, May 17 | ||
| 5:30 AM | Will Call Opens | Butler Field |
| 6:00 AM | Gear Check Opens | Butler Field |
| 6:00 AM | Start Corrals Open | Columbus Drive |
| 6:30 AM | Will Call Closes | Butler Field |
| 6:45 AM | Start Corrals Close | Columbus/Monroe |
| 7:00 AM | HALF MARATHON & 5K START | Columbus Drive |
| 7:30 AM | Spring Market Finish Festival Opens | Butler Field |
| 8:00 AM | 5K Awards Ceremony | Butler Field |
| 9:00 AM | Half Marathon Awards Ceremony | Butler Field |
| 10:00 AM | Junior Dash Start | Butler Field |
| 11:00 AM | Kid Run 1 Mile Start | Butler Field |
| 11:30 AM | Course Closes | |
| 12:00 PM | Gear Check Closes | Butler Field |
Packet Pickup
Location & Schedule
- Chicago Athletic Association | 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Friday, May 15 | 12:00PM – 7:00PM
- Saturday, May 16 | 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.
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.
- Post race catered buffet and custom coffee and lattes from Thrd Coffee will be served in the VIP Finish Festival area. Those 21 and over will be able to enjoy the open bar.
- Post race assisted stretch provided by Life Time Dynamic Personal Trainers.
- Those who purchase VIP will have access to private portable restrooms within the VIP Finish Festival Area.
Online VIP Registration is closed. If you would like to purchase race day VIP please email our VIP coordinator at NKim2@lt.life
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)
- These are the best transportation options we recommend on race morning.
- Parking Options
- We partnered with Millennium Garages to provide you with the best spot in the city at a discounted rate. You must purchase your parking pass in advance to take advantage of the discounted parking.
- Millennium Garages offer the closest options to Butler Field at the Millennium Lakeside Garage. Parking is also available at Grant Park North and Grant Park South Attendees must reserve parking in advance of race weekend to take advantage of a variety of discounted rates.
- Purchase Discounted Parking Here
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!
Tracking + Results
-
Athlete Tracking for the Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 5K is now available. Results will be posted post-event. Check your time, see how you stacked up, relive race day, and follow your athlete in real time throughout the course.
- Athlete Tracking
- Search for an athlete, favorite participants, and follow their progress live throughout the course. Tip: Scroll within the results page to access your favorites tracking bar.
- SMS Updates
- Receive text notifications when your athlete passes timing checkpoints.
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Please note: SMS updates may experience delays based on cell service availability throughout the course.
- Official Results
Search by name or bib to view your time. Search by name or bib number to view official times, placement, and rankings.
Secure your Photos
You crushed it at theLife Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon + 5K! Now, your photos are ready to view. Have a look at your pics, and don’t forget to share with family and friends. Let the humble bragging begin!