TL;DR: The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting and finishing in Jackson Park next to the Museum of Science and Industry. The half marathon starts at 7:00 AM, the 5K at 7:45 AM, the Kids Run at 10:00 AM. The course runs on traffic-free Lake Shore Drive.
The Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K returns on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Start and finish are in historic Jackson Park, right next to the Museum of Science and Industry.
The 13.1-mile course winds through Hyde Park and the South Side neighborhoods before heading onto traffic-free Lake Shore Drive, with the Chicago skyline as a constant backdrop. Fast and flat, it is a favorite for PR hunters.
The half marathon starts at 7:00 AM and the 5K at 7:45 AM. The Finish Festival opens at 8:00 AM, awards follow at 9:00 AM and the Kids Run (ages 2-12) starts at 10:00 AM. The course closes at 11:30 AM.
Charity runners can also join Make-A-Wish Illinois with a fundraising goal of $500 each.
Race day 2026 race-day schedule
HALF MARATHON 13.1 MI — 7:00 AM
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Jackson Park & Lake Shore Drive
5K — 7:45 AM
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Start and finish Jackson Park
FINISH FESTIVAL & AWARDS
Sunday, September 27, 2026
8:00 AM festival, 9:00 AM awards
KIDS RUN — 10:00 AM
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Ages 2 to 12
Location: Jackson Park, Chicago, Illinois (6401 S Richards Dr). Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026. Events: Half Marathon (7:00 AM), 5K (7:45 AM), Kids Run (10:00 AM). Organizer: Life Time. Course closes: 11:30 AM. Results: via ChronoTrack.
Course key points
Course point
Info
Details
Jackson Park START & FINISH
Next to the Museum of Science and Industry
Finish Festival
Hyde Park COURSE
South Side neighborhoods
Historic streets
Lake Shore Drive TRAFFIC-FREE
Lakefront
Skyline views
Course closing 11:30 AM
Half Marathon
Final shuttles at noon
LIFE TIME Chicago Half Marathon & 5K
Frequently asked questions: Chicago Half Marathon 2026
When is the 2026 Chicago Half Marathon?
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting and finishing in Jackson Park, Chicago.
Where can I find the 2026 results?
Results and live tracking are published via ChronoTrack.
What time do the races start?
The half marathon starts at 7:00 AM, the 5K at 7:45 AM and the Kids Run at 10:00 AM.
Is the Chicago Half Marathon course flat?
Yes, the course is fast and flat, running through Hyde Park and along traffic-free Lake Shore Drive.