This past weekend, runners worldwide gathered in Chicago for the Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K, produced by Lifetime Fitness. Representing almost every city in the United States, it was a vibrant display of the running community’s diversity and passion. My running buddy, Trish, and I joined this global event, flying into Chicago on Saturday morning for an unforgettable experience.
Packet Pickup
Our adventure began at the Chicago Athletic Center, an old and charming building where we picked up our race packets. The process was smooth, with a line for bibs and t-shirts. Adding to our excitement, RoadRunner Sports had a kiosk selling new and slightly used sneakers for $75. Despite not needing more sneakers (my collection already has 30 pairs!), we each bought two pairs. What can I say? The temptation was too strong!
Afterward, we enjoyed a relaxing brunch on Michigan Avenue and explored the park. Although “The Bean” was closed for construction, we appreciated the creative photo displays around the site, capturing the quirky essence of this iconic sculpture.
Race Day
Race day started early. At 5 am, we headed out for coffee, finding solace at Stan’s Donuts on Michigan Avenue. While their array of donuts was tempting, we stuck to coffee, which was delicious and energizing.
We made our way to Maggie Daley Park, the starting point of the race, located at North Columbus and Monroe. The park buzzed with pre-race excitement, and we couldn’t resist purchasing a cute t-shirt and race cap from the gear booth, setting them aside for pickup after the race.
The Race
The race itself was nothing short of spectacular. Starting with a solid first mile of running, I switched to a run-walk strategy: running for one minute and walking for thirty seconds. The scenic route along Lake Michigan was breathtaking, with aqua blue waters providing a serene backdrop.
Despite some bottlenecks along the course, the amazing views and enthusiastic crowd made the experience memorable. The buildings on one side and the lake on the other, coupled with constant cheers from spectators, created an electric atmosphere. Although the congestion impacted my ability to PR, I embraced the challenge and ran through when necessary.
Post-Race Celebrations
After crossing the finish line, I waited for Trish, who impressively finished 2nd in her age group. I was happy with my time of 1:11:00. We then explored the post-race festivities, including a flower bar where participants could take home a plant, a beer area, and numerous vendors. It was a lively and enjoyable fair, celebrating the spirit of the event.
We wrapped up our morning with a brunch hosted by the race before heading back to the hotel. The best part of our day? Relaxing in the hotel’s hot tub, soaking our tired muscles and reflecting on a fantastic weekend.
The Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K was more than just a race; it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the sheer joy of running. From packet pickup to post-race relaxation, every moment was filled with camaraderie and adventure. If you ever get the chance to participate in this event, seize it—you won’t be disappointed.
