Sunday, March 16, 2025 • Cary, IL • Course Map
Organized by the Hill Striders Running Club of nearby Crystal Lake, Ill., the March Madness Half Marathon marks its 46th annual running this year, an event that’s been called “the unofficial start of the running season in greater Chicago” by local running enthusiasts.
The race takes runners on a course just outside Chicago that features lots of very hilly stretches, and has been called one of the most challenging of its kind in northern Illinois.
The starting and finish line for the out-and-back route is Cary’s Cary-Grove High School on Three Oaks Road. From there, the course follows a counter-clockwise loop along Three Oaks, North Hickory Nut Road, Rawson Bridge Road and Crystal Lake Road.
As mentioned above, the course is mostly hills, so runners should be prepared for an up-and-down race — and usually pretty cold on race day (often around freezing).
For a race that’s as challenging and run under what are usually very cold conditions, the March Madness race is well-attended — more than 1,000 runners cross the finish line each year, and the race sells out quickly, so runners thinking of signing up are encouraged to do so as quickly as possible.
The race is also for runners only (no walkers), as organizers must re-open the course to traffic starting at 11:35 AM.
The starting line at last year’s March Madness Half Marathon. (Courtesy Hillstriders Running Club)
More runners at the starting line at last year’s March Madness Half Marathon. (Courtesy Hillstriders Running Club)
Courtesy Hillstriders Running Club
Before the race at last year’s March Madness Half Marathon. (Courtesy Hillstriders Running Club)
The winner at last year’s March Madness Half Marathon. (Courtesy Hillstriders Running Club)
Race Weather & Climate
Located in the northern part of the state, about 50 miles northwest of the Chicago city center, Cary tends to see cold, wintry temperatures even as spring is approaching. Runners should be ready for precipitation, perhaps even frozen — snow, sleet or ice is always a possibility this time of year.
Past Results
- 2024 Results
- 2023 Results
- 2022 Results
- 2019 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2018 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2017 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2016 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2015 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2014 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2013 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2012 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2011 March Madness Half Marathon Results
- 2010 March Madness Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the March Madness Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
8:35 AM
Fees
$65 and up
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2025 running of Cary’s March Madness Half Marathon, register online at RaceRoster.com here.
Official Race Website
Comments
Ever run in the March Madness Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
I ran the half marathon back in March 18, 2018 and I lost my receipt. My company reimburses $50 for this, but they are asking me for the receipt.
thank you,
Jose