Chicago Race Calendar
This is the complete guide to chicago races 2026-2027, covering everything from local 5K races in Chicago to major half marathons and the Chicago Marathon. If you're looking for Chicago running races, this is the full season laid out in one place.
The calendar includes Chicago 5Ks, 10K races, Chicago half marathons, and marathons across the city and surrounding suburbs, organized by month so you can quickly find what fits your schedule. Whether you're building toward a fall marathon or just looking for a good local race, this is the easiest way to see what's coming up.
Bank of America Distance Series
Run all three 2027 races and earn a unique series medal plus a guaranteed entry into the 2028 Chicago Marathon, the 50th running.
Looking for your next marathon?
Runners' Almanac compares 224 hand-picked U.S. marathons by weather, course, elevation, field size and more.
October
3 racesChicago Fall Classic Half Marathon & 10K
Post-marathon season race. Caramel apples and hot apple cider at the finish. Part of the Run Chicagoland Fall Series.
Race InfoUniversal Sole October Trail Challenge
Fall foliage trail racing through Wolf Road Woods. Part of the Ryan & Katie Flynn Memorial Trail Challenge Series. Pick your distance, enjoy post-race brews in the autumn air.
Race InfoLake Bluff Pumpkin Chase 5K
Fall community 5K on the North Shore. CARA Circuit points race.
November
4 racesFast Track Cross Country Regionals
Cross-country format season finale for the CARA Racing Circuit. Competitive club racing through the fall season close.
Race InfoUniversal Sole November Trail Challenge
10am start with Will's Famous Chili and craft brews waiting at the finish. Choose 4 or 8 miles on the classic Wolf Road Woods loop. Part of the Ryan & Katie Flynn Memorial Trail Challenge Series.
Race InfoTurkey Trot Chicago
Thanksgiving morning tradition. Life Time-organized. One of the best ways to start Thanksgiving Day in Chicago.
Race InfoDecember
2 racesJanuary
1 raceFebruary
1 raceMarch
1 raceBank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K
The Mile runs Saturday, March 20.
Race InfoApril
1 raceMay
3 racesJune
1 raceJuly
1 raceSeptember
1 raceOctober
4 racesBest Chicago Races
Chicago Marathon
World Marathon Major. 29 neighborhoods. If you only run one marathon, this is the one. Lottery opens late fall for the following year. Training guide →
Shamrock Shuffle 8K
25,000 runners through the downtown canyons in March. It's not just a race, it's the city collectively deciding winter is over. First leg of the Distance Series. Shamrock Shuffle guide →
Chicago 13.1
West Side parks course that most Chicago runners never see outside this race. Sells out fast. Charity entries are the backup plan. Second leg of the Distance Series. Chicago 13.1 guide →
Life Time Chicago Half Marathon
The only race in Chicago with exclusive DuSable Lake Shore Drive access. Flat, fast, and a perfect two-week tune-up for the marathon. The medal is famously enormous. Life Time Half guide →
Hidden Gem Half Marathon
The tune-up half everyone targets four weeks out from Chicago. Well-organized, honest course. If you're behind on training, this race will tell you.
CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler
Point-to-point on the Lakefront Trail with full support and pace groups. Three weeks before the marathon. The closest thing to a dress rehearsal you'll get.
Chicago Race Calendar FAQs
When is race season in Chicago?
Road race season runs from mid-March through November, with the heaviest concentration from April through October. The Shamrock Shuffle in late March kicks things off, and Turkey Trots close it out. Winter racing exists but is limited to a handful of trail and indoor events.
What are the biggest races in Chicago?
The Chicago Marathon (October) is the headliner, a World Marathon Major with 40,000+ runners. The Shamrock Shuffle 8K (March) draws ~25,000 and is the city's unofficial start to the season. Chicago 13.1 (June) rounds out the Bank of America Distance Series. All three sell out.
What's the best half marathon in Chicago?
It depends on what you want. Chicago 13.1 in June runs through the West Side parks and is the most competitive. The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon in September is scenic with Lake Shore Drive access. The Chi Town Half in spring is a solid, no-frills option. Each one serves a different point in your training calendar.
Are there races year-round in Chicago?
Mostly March through November for road races. December through February is quiet on the road side, but trail races at Wolf Road Woods and a few indoor events fill the gap. If you're training through winter, CARA group runs and local run clubs keep things structured.
How do I choose a race?
Start with your goal race and work backward. If you're running the Chicago Marathon in October, the Hidden Gem Half in September and the Ready to Run 20 Miler are the go-to tune-ups. For casual runners, pick a distance you're comfortable with and filter by month above. chi.run Pick races on this calendar are well-organized and worth the entry fee.
Looking for structured training? Check out our marathon training guide or find a local run club to keep you accountable.