F^3 Lake Half Marathon and 5K

Saturday, February 3, 2024 • Chicago, IL • Course Map

Set for its 15th annual running, the F^3 takes place along Lake Michigan in February 2024. In 2016, the race saw over 2,000 runners cross the finish line with 1,860 of them from the half marathon alone.

The out and back course is run almost entirely on the Lakefront trail, with very little elevation change. Participants will start the race outside of Soldier field, home of the NFL team Chicago Bears. Runners interested in other attractions nearby can check out The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, all located around the starting line.

After circling the outside of the stadium runners will link up with Lakefront Trail and head south away from the city. Along the way half marathoners will run way by various parks including Gold Star Families Park & Memorial, the McCormick Bird Sanctuary, La Ronda Parakata Gathering Space and through Harold Washington Playlot Park.

At Jackson Park, across from the University of Chicago, runners will hit the turnaround point and head back north on the same trail towards the finish line, just across from the start. There are four aid stations along the course, with each station being hit twice. Each station is equipped with Gatorade, water and a bathroom.

The half marathon is set to start at 10:00AM, followed by the 5K at 10:20AM. The course has a time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes (~16 minutes per mile).

All participants will receive a 1/4 zip long-sleeve soft tech shirt and half marathoners will receive finisher medals. Asics shoes will be given out to overall winners, and gift cards for age group winners. Runners are encouraged to stick around for the post-race party at the United Club at Soldier Field where there is food, drink, beer and music.

Race Weather & Climate

Chicago, known as the windy city is located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan along the east coast of Illinois sees chilly temperatures which have hit record lows of -24°F (in 1985) and over 20 inches of snow in 2011.

On race day (Feb. 3), the average low is 19ºF and the average high is 33ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the F^3 Lake Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

  • 10:00 AM – half marathon
  • 10:20 AM – 5K

Fees

  • $50 for the half marathon
  • $40 for the 5K

*Race fees subject to increase

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2024 running of the F^3 Lake Half Marathon, or 5K, register online at RunSignUp here.

Official Race Website

www.f3running.com

Comments

Ever run in the F^3 Lake Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: February, Illinois

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