The 16th 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 which 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 again to the warm confines of Soldier Field's United Club! The UC opens at 8am. Gear check is available. Half marathon starts at 10am, and consists of self-seeded waves in quick succession. The 5k is scheduled for 10:30am. Courses close at 1:30pm.

After the race, head to Weathermark Tavern for the afterparty! 1503 S. Michigan Ave. Free participant photos are always uploaded to flashframe.io

2024 Results link:  https://www.athlinks.com/event/129578/results/Event/1069523/Results

Packet Pickup Dates for 2025: (subject to change, but probably won't change)
Saturday, January 4th - Fleet Feet Schererville (9am-3pm)
Sunday, January 5th  - Fleet Feet Elmhurst (11am-4pm)
Saturday January 11th - Fleet Feet South Loop (10am-6pm)
Sunday, January 12th - Fleet Feet Deerfield (11am-4pm)
Saturday, January 18th - Fleet Feet Old Town (10am-6pm)
Sunday January 19th - Fleet Feet Old Town (11am-5pm)
Monday, January 20th - Fleet Feet Oak Park (2pm-6pm)
Friday January 24th - Fleet Feet South Loop (12pm-7pm)

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 course, each of which are passed twice, offering 6 chances for water, Gatorade, or a 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 1:35pm, at a pace of 14:06 min/mile.

Wave Start: The Half Marathon start is done in waves to limit over-crowding 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.

Indoor parking is available at Soldier Field's North Garage. Click here: Reserve Soldier Field Parking Online – select F3 Half Marathon from the list (beginning in Jan '25).  Show proof of purchase on your way in. 

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***