Race Description

Maybe you’re a seasoned ultra-runner looking for a training race before your big 50k, 50 mile or 100 mile race. Perhaps you’re looking to complete your first “ultra” race. Whatever your experience level, this race is for you!

The inaugural Half Day at the Lake race will take runners along one of the premier lakefront paths through Chicago’s north shore area. Featuring Evanston's lakefront, this 1.93 mile route will not disappoint rain or shine (hopefully clear skies for beautiful Chicago skyline views). If you are not familiar with the area or the route, I recommend looking at some pictures from our website of the race route and surrounding area. The start/finish is also blocks away from both the CTA Purple Line and Metra UP-North Line Main Street Stations (see map for exact locations).

In addition to having one of the best routes in the Chicago area (maybe I’m a little biased), finishers will be greeted with an ice cold can of Hop Water (non-alcoholic) courtesy of our friends and sponsors at Sketchbook Brewery. Unique to this event, finishers will also receive a custom hand-made award to be featured on the race website soon.

Pacers are allowed to be used during this race, I ask that you please notify us at check in if you are utilizing a pacer. Additionally, if your pacer is going to run all or the majority of a race (12 hour runner uses a pacer for the last 6 hours for example), I ask that you please email runningisfunsometimes@gmail.com to register the pacer for a small fee of $20.

We want to make this race as accessible as possible so if you have the need for any special accommodations, please contact us and we will do our best to assist! If you plan on running with a stroller or wheelchair, we ask that you please inform us so we can plan accordingly.

The Course

The course is a 1.93 mile loop along a shared paved path and some crushed gravel (can run along side of path on grass for most of route). The path is for walkers, runners, and bikers but the bikers are few and far between and are generally moving at a slow to moderate pace. That being said, please be courteous to our fellow community members utilizing the path. The event is approval by the city of Evanston so there are no other events occurring on the path that day. The course also includes numerous water fountains and public restrooms for use in addition to the items available at the aid stations. Runners will be greeted at the finish with a refreshing can of Hop2o Hop Water (non-alcoholic) courtesy of Sketchbook Brewery as well as hand made finisher awards to be featured on the website soon.

Aid Stations

The route will include 2 aid stations. One main aid station at the start/finish with a variety of snacks, beverages, and hot soup/noodles/broth, and another smaller aid station near the turnaround. The small aid station will only have snacks/food options, but there are multiple water fountains along the path/race route to utilize as well as water, soda, and sports drinks available at the main aid station near the start/finish.

Awards

One of my favorite elements of this race will be the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted awards presented to all finishers. A description and picture of the award will be featured on our website soon!

There will be no individual finisher awards to keep the spirit of “running for fun” alive.

Packet Pickup

Friday, 9/13 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Commonwealth Running Company
1631 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201

Saturday, 9/14 (Race Day) 6:00 - 6:45 am for the 12 hour race. Anytime before 12:45 pm for the 6 hour race.
Elliott Park
1138 Lakeshore Blvd
Evanston, IL 60202

Late registration isn’t a problem so please still show up even if you end up running late on race day. Race day packet pickup will be at the table/tent area near the start/finish. This is just north of the Lee Street beach and beach house/bathrooms.

RACE START TIME:
Depending on the number of registrants, we may have 2-3 waves at the start but not separated by more than a couple of minutes. All participants will have the full 6 or 12 hours to complete laps.

Parking

There is no free parking along the path area, however, there is pay to park options all along the lakefront, as well as free neighborhood parking as you head east into the neighborhoods (along streets like Lee and Greenleaf (E/W) and Michigan (N/S). I have also included a map with parking locations and information included. Be sure to check all signage around the area that you park to ensure there is no street cleaning or special no parking limitations in addition to normal parking signs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding parking, please email runningisfunsometimes@gmail.com.

Refund/Cancellation

Because this is a first time, independent race, we cannot guarantee refunds for cancellations. That being said, we will do our best to work with participants with extenuating circumstances, especially if higher registration numbers allow for more flexibility. We will also be happy to offer deferrals to next year's race, as we have every intention of setting up a 2025 version (potentially in the spring). Any deferral or cancellation request must be submitted by August 31, 2024.

Sponsors

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors at Commonwealth Running Company and Sketchbook Brewery

Event's current local time: 2:09 PM CT