18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k
January 30, 2027
Chicago, IL 60614 US
The 18th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k is Chicago's Original Winter Half Marathon. Each year, thousands of runners flock to this community-built event, gathering in the warmth of Soldier Field's United Club before tackling wind & weather along a lakefront course that features splits every 5km. A must for anyone preparing for a spring marathon or just resolving to stay fit throughout the new year. F^3 sold out in 2016-2020 and 2023-present. Every registrant will once again receive one of our great hoodies and a medal! We will return to the warm confines of Soldier Field's United Club! The UC opens at 8 a.m. Gear check is available.
The half marathon starts at 10:01 a.m. and consists of self-seeded waves in quick succession. The 5k is scheduled for 10:29 a.m. Courses close at 1:30 p.m.
After the race, head to Weathermark Tavern for the afterparty! 1503 S. Michigan Ave. Free participant photos are always uploaded to flashframe.io
Packet Pick Ups
Packet Pickup Dates for 2026: (subject to change, but probably won't change)
- Saturday, January 10th - Fleet Feet Schererville (9 am-3 pm)
- Sunday, January 11th - Fleet Feet Elmhurst (11 am-4 pm)
- Saturday, January 17th - Fleet Feet South Loop (10 am-6 pm)
- Sunday, January 18th - Fleet Feet Deerfield (11 am-4 pm)
- Monday, January 19th - Fleet Feet Oak Park (2 pm-6 pm)
- Saturday, January 24th - Fleet Feet Old Town (12 pm-6 pm)
- Sunday, January 25th - Fleet Feet Old Town (11 am-5 pm)
- Friday, January 30th - Fleet Feet South Loop (12 pm-7 pm)
Course Description
The USATF-certified course is mostly flat & fast along Chicago's lakefront. Each mile is marked with an F^3 feather flag. There are three aid spots on the course, each of which is passed twice, offering 6 chances for water, Gatorade, or bathrooms. Pacers will once again be provided by Fleet Feet & Chicago Endurance Sports. Pace groups typically provided are: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:30 (sweep). Out of respect for our volunteers, the course closes at 1:35 pm, at a pace of 14:06 min/mile.
Wave Start
The Half-Marathon start is done in waves to limit overcrowding on the course. Waves are self-seeded and start approximately every 90 seconds. Waves start fastest to slowest. Those needing more time or worried about keeping ahead of the rolling course closure time (14:06 mi pace) should start with WAVE 1 and keep to the left for the first mile.
Prizes
TOTAL PRIZE PURSE OF MORE THAN $6,000!
Prize Money : Champion M/W: $1000 2nd M/W: $500 3rd M/W: $400 4th M/W: $300 5th M/W: $200 Masters Champion M/W: $350 Masters 2nd M/W: $250 Masters 3rd M/W: $150 ***Masters "double-dip" prize money***
Event Parking
Indoor parking is available at Soldier Field's North Garage. Reserve Soldier Field Parking Online Select F3 Half Marathon from the list (beginning in Jan '26). Show proof of purchase on your way in. *** Pending Activation from Parking Coordinator
Results
2024 Results https://www.athlinks.com/event/129578/results/Event/1069523/Results
2025 Results https://www.athlinks.com/event/129578/results/Event/1082900/Results
2026 Results https://www.athlinks.com/event/129578/results/Event/1132597/Results
Event Location
1410 Special Olympics Drive Chicago, IL 60614 US
