Local races. This week’s Tuesdays on the Run topic invites you to be a “running concierge” of sorts and tell us about the best races in your area. Since Chicago is my stomping ground, I picked some Chicagoland races I think you’ll like. Ready?
For Hill Lovers and the Boston Bound
March Madness Half Marathon: Let’s get something out of the way upfront. This race is not for the faint of heart. The fact that its put on by the Hillstriders Running Club should be your first clue. It’s hilly. Very hilly. Although it was my first ever half, it’s probably not the best race for new runners, although everything you run after it will be a piece of cake. This is a no-frills race in the middle of March, so weather is always a big question mark. In the half dozen or so times I ran it, temps ranged from 23 to 86. Bright sun to freezing rain and everything in between. This race is old school: no chip timing, no fancy start/finish line, no entertainment and brings out the best runners because it simulates the Boston Marathon course with a net downhill start followed by hills and more hills. It’s a perfect tuneup race if you’re headed to Beantown. Oh and the soft pretzels in the high school gymnasium at the end are pretty tasty. Look alive if you want to get in on this one. Registration opens on New Years Eve and the race sells out in a couple of hours at most.
Everyone Loves a 10 miler
Live Grit Lakefront 10 Miler. This is a no-frills, “runners” race put on by the Chicago Area Runners Association. Parking is free and easy to score, the price is reasonable, course (Montrose Beach) is good and so is the shirt.
Soldier Field 10 Mile. This one starts just outside Soldier Field and you enter the stadium and finish on the field, right at the 50-yd line. It’s well organized, you’ve got the convenience of flushing potties inside Soldier Field before the start and maybe best of all, parking is convenient and FREE!
If you love a good party
Cinco de Miler. Who doesn’t love celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a South of the border-themed race? This one runs on a portion of the Soldier Field 10-mile course. It’s a fun race complete with mariachis and plenty of Mexican food at the finish line, along with 2 count ’em TWO mechanical bulls to challenge you. Race shirt and medal are stand outs.
Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon. Yes this one happens smack dab in the summer heat of July but it’s still a good time. The course gives you a nice tour of Chicago’s loop and is packed with plenty of entertainment. The finish line is a total party complete with lots of food, cold treats to cool you down and a concert.
Chicago Marathon. I couldn’t talk about great races without mentioning this one. The Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors. The weather can be iffy but it’s still a must-run. Its the best way to tour the city and its vibrant neighborhoods and the fans (including yours truly cheering you on at mile 13) are among the best anywhere.
That Cinco de miler race sounds like a blast. I can always go for some Mexican food after I race.
Well, I’ve done two of these, and am returning for an encore in July with the R’n’R. Soldier Field sounds enticing (I love that 10-mile distance), but the Cinco de Mayo looks like a blast as well. I wish I lived closer!!
We need to find us a race!!
I generally like Rnr races, and the Chicago one sounds like fun. But the cinco de mile race? That sounds amazing!
Id love to do the Chicago Marathon some day, but it looks like there are other great options as well! I think if I was going to travel for a race I would want it to be at least a half-marathon.
I’d love to do that Soldier Field 10 miler….hmmmm…
You know how much I love Chicago 🙂 I would totally do all these races if I lived closer.
Looking forward to seeing you in July!
I have never done a race in Chicago! I may need to change that sometime soon. I do like a 10 miler
Nope, I have never run in Chicago at all (although I have been there, once for a job interview in college, and then my SIL lived there for a while).
Running around the lakefront sounds so awesome!
I’d love to run in Chicago. Someday.
The Solider Field 10 miler is actually on my bucket race list! hoping to come visit friends and run it!
I kind of want to do every single race on your list. Seriously. Especially the Cinco de Miler!!! 🙂
I like that the RnR Chicago has a 10k option, but July is the worst time for my work schedule. It seems like some really great races are also during my busy months. January, April, July, and October. Darn quarterly financial reports!
Wow! Those are a lot of great races!! I did have Chicago on my bucket list, maybe I’ll still keep it there because I always hear great things about it! That’s definitely one thing I miss about living close to a really big city – the races. Definitely don’t have that many down here! lol
I’d definitely love to try the cindo de miler!
The Soldier’s Field 10 sounds like a fun one! Fingers crossed I’m hoping to get to RnR Chicago this year – I’m not a summer racing fan but this one’s been on my radar for a while. Hopefully, we’ll finally get to meet up!
I am thinking about RNR Chicago if it works with my schedule as a part of the Rock N Blog team – but Chicago Marathon is absolutely on my bucket list!
Chicago has been on my bucket list for far too long! I would love to run a race of any distance in the city – I still have my eye on Rock ‘n Roll Chicago!
those 10 milers sound fun!