When - Saturday Sept. 14 2024
Where - Elliot Park, Evanston
Race Details
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 and the beautiful Northwestern University campus, this 3.47 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 of the pictures from the route on our website. 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).
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!
1138 Lake Shore Blvd
Elliot Park
Evanston, IL 60202
2 Races
12 hour race - 7 am start
6 hour race - 1 pm start
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.
Register
Register by June 30, 2024 to be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Gift card to Commonwealth Running Company (also two $25 and three $15 up for raffle). Registration will close on Tuesday, September 10th, at midnight. Please keep an eye on the website and read emails as some details may change based on number of registrants. This event is directed by an RRCA Certified Race Director.
Packet Pickup
Friday 9/13 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Commonwealth Running Company
Race Day 9/14 6:00 am - 15 minutes prior to race start at Elliot Park
The Course
The course is a 3.47 mile loop along a shared paved path (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 approved by the city of Evanston and Northwestern University 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 in addition to a special, hand-crafted finisher award 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 hopefully hot soup/noodles/broth (pending approval from the City of Evanston), and another smaller aid station near the beginning of the large loop so runners will pass the small aid station twice each loop, and the large aid station once. The small aid station will only have snacks/food options, but there are multiple water fountains along the path/race route to utilize and beverages available at the main aid station near the start/finish.
Parking
There is no free parking directly along the route, however, there is plenty of free neighborhood parking as you head east into the neighborhoods along streets like Lee and Greenleaf (E/W) and Michigan (N/S) as well as a free parking garage at the Northwestern Campus (best for spectators). I have also included a map with parking locations and information. 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.