Saturday, September 2, 2017 • Chicago, IL • Course Map
Set for its 4th annual running here on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in the Windy City, the Women Rock Half Marathon features four race distances plus a special challenge the organizers call the “Rock Starlet Challenge” — completing three race distances in one day, which will earn you a special medal that few other runners possess.
Designed for women only, the half marathon (like the 10K and 5K) follows an out-and-back course that starts and finishes in the south lot next to Soldier Field, the home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears that’s located along the banks of Burnham Harbor, across from Northery Island along the lakeshore.
From there, you’ll head south along the shore of Lake Michigan, following the paved trails and roads that wind alongside the lake for the next 6 1/2 miles. Thanks to its location, the race is fast and flat for virtually the entire course — the elevation change is minimal, as the course never drops below about 574 feet above sea level, or rise much above 600 feet.
You’ll follow the trails through Burnham Park and past Morgan Point and Promontory Point, which offer some of the best vistas for looking out onto the lake. You’ll also head through Burnham Park, past the Museum of Science and Industry, and through Jackson Park, all the way south to the half-way turnaround point on East Marquette Drive.
Once you make the turn, the race brings you back north again, retracing your steps along the route you’ve just run. You’ll head all the way back to the south lot of Soldier Field, where there will be “handsome men giving you bling at the finish line,” organizers say.
The 10K is considered walker-friendly but the half marathon is designed for runners, they add, and there will be “non-alcoholic bubbly and live music waiting at the finish line.”
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Chicago typically sees some of its mildest weather of the year in September, though temperatures can still be quite warm in the first several days of the month.
On race day (Sept. 2), the average low is 62ºF and the average high is 80ºF.
Past Results
- 2016 Women Rock Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Women Rock Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Women Rock Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Women Rock Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 6:45 AM – half marathon
- 7:30 AM – 10K
- 9:15 AM – 5K
- 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM – 2.5K
Course Time Limits
- 3.5 hours – half marathon
- 3 hours – 10K
Fees
- $74.99 and up for the half marathon
- $69.99 and up for the 10K
- $64.99 and up for the 5K
- $34.99 and up for the 2.5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2017 running of Chicago’s Women Rock Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or 2.5K race, register online at MarathonGuide.com here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the Women Rock Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, as well as anything you learned about the race that you think other runners/walkers should know.
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