Chicago Half Marathon 2026
Run along Chicago's stunning lakefront with panoramic views of the skyline. This flat, fast course follows the Lakefront Trail and is one of the best fall half marathons in the country. Cool September weather makes it ideal for fast times.
Course Highlights
- Scenic lakefront course along Lake Michigan
- Chicago skyline views throughout
- Flat and fast — great for PRs
- Finish in Jackson Park
Race Day Conditions
Flat course — great for setting a PR or running your first half.
Mild — light clothing, stay hydrated early.
This is historical planning context, not a weather forecast.
Official organizer websiteRecommended Training Plans
With 7 weeks until race day, we recommend a 12-week training plan. Start by July 5, 2026 to use the full build.
How to prepare for this course
Your plan should account for the flat road course in Chicago, plus the conditions runners commonly encounter around this event. These resources add race-specific context without creating a duplicate training URL.
Half marathon race pace strategy
A flatter course can reward even pacing, but a sensible opening mile still matters.
Half marathon weather strategy
Use the historical 65°F average as a packing and pacing prompt, not a race-day forecast.
Two-week taper guide
Arrive fresh by reducing training stress while keeping familiar movement in the final two weeks.
Train for the Chicago Half Marathon
Get a plan personalized to your fitness level and schedule for the Lifetime Chicago Half Marathon on September 27, 2026, with VDOT-calibrated paces and this course's details pre-filled.
Build My Plan for Chicago Half Marathon$19.99 intro price — only 100 places left, normally $34.99. No subscription, nothing to cancel.