chi.run
Your Guide to Running the Chicago Marathon
Course maps, neighborhood guides, and essential race-day tips from local Chicago runners.
I built this for anyone training for Chicago who's tired of bouncing between twenty tabs to get a straight answer. Everything here is based on real experience, local knowledge, and the weird details you only learn once you've actually run it.
I finished the 2024 Chicago Marathon in 3:54:29 and I'm back on the start line in October 2026. Between those two races I've logged most of my miles on the Illinois Prairie Path and the Lakefront Trail, run the Shamrock Shuffle and Chicago 13.1 as part of the Distance Series, and spent more time than I'd like to admit reading Reddit threads and race reports so you don't have to.
This isn't a race organizer's website. It's what I wished existed when I was training, specific, honest, and written by someone who has stood in the corrals, navigated Lower Wacker at mile 1, and felt what mile 22 actually does to you.
Chicago Marathon
The Course
Mile-by-mile notes, where GPS gets weird, where the crowds wake you up, and the spots that sneak up on first timers.
Explore the Course →
Spectator Guide
Where your people should stand, how not to miss each other, and the easiest ways for them to get around the city.
Plan Your Race Day Support →
Training
Training plans I liked, groups that are good, and what actually worked for me during my first Chicago cycle.
Explore Training →
Race Weekend
Expo logistics, what to skip, what you shouldn't skip, and how not to stress yourself out before race day.
Chicago Running
Run Clubs
63 Chicago run clubs, from beginner-friendly groups to competitive crews. Find your people.
Find a Run Club →
Chicago 13.1
A runner's guide to the June half marathon at Garfield Park. Course, corrals, parking, and race day tips.
Explore the Half →
Lakefront Trail
Chicago's iconic 18-mile trail along Lake Michigan. Turnarounds, parking, and the best stretches to run.
Explore the Trail →
About chi.run
I built this while training for Chicago because I kept wishing all this info existed in one place. It's based on real miles, local knowledge, and the little things you only figure out once you've actually run the race.
More about me →Want updates as I add new stuff?
I send an occasional email with new guides, training notes, and things I learned the hard way in 2024. No pressure. No spam.