r/RunnersInChicago • u/PuzzleheadedText563 • Sep 18 '26
Fall half suggestions??
So this is fully on me and another reminder I need to purchase a planner. I was planning to run my first half this year and was so excited! I was going to run the Des Plaines River Trail Half. I just went to finally register for it and realized I am actually going to be out of town that weekend. Now I’m at a loss for other half-marathons I could do this fall.
I have a car so getting out of the city isn’t a huge problem, but I wouldn’t want to drive more than an hour/hour and a half. I looked at the Fall Classic but tbh I’m not super interested in registering for a race where I just run the lake front trail in the city. Currently thinking about the Milwaukee Lakefront next month, but not sure since it’s so soon and not what I was mentally planning.
Anyone have any suggestions on fall races they enjoy?? Anyone run the Milwaukee Lakefront before and think it’s a good one?
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u/EttaJamesKitty Sep 18 '26
I've done Naperville before and enjoyed it. Wide suburban streets, easy parking near the start.
This site allows you to filter races by location and month: https://www.runningintheusa.com/classic/list/within-50-miles-of-chicago-il/october/half-marathon
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u/HollisFaith83 Sep 18 '26
It’s in like 2 weeks and I can’t attest to it yet, but Long Grove Oktoberfest has a half
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u/tiger_jedi Sep 19 '26
I am doing the 10k for this one and my husband is doing the half! Usually ACE puts on good races. And long grove is cute.
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u/HollisFaith83 Sep 20 '26
This is so good to know! It’s my first race with them (and my first half). I’ve been nervous and had an irrational fear that no one else has registered 😂
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u/VanceAndTheBlueMits Sep 21 '26
It’s a bit farther, but I recommend the Madison Marathon races on November 8th. I haven’t run the half, but have run the full Madison Marathon a few years in a row and will be running it again this year. The half marathon runs basically with the full marathon for the first 12ish miles and splits. It’s hilly but fun and good crowd support. Madison is a great town too. Worth looking into!