Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K returns to Maggie Daley Park

On May 20, Maggie Daley Park will once again host the Chicago Spring Half Marathon 10K and Junior Dash. The race has a new title sponsor, Byline Bank, but participants can look forward to the same exceptional race experience provided in the past.

Lifetime Regional Brand Manager Scott “Hootie” Hutmacher said New Eastside residents might remember the half marathon starting and ending in Lakeshore East Park—and for seven years, that was the case.

“It was originally created by Magellan Development Group to find a way to bring

a special event to Lakeshore East Park,” Hutmacher said. “The first packet pickup

was held in the Aqua [building].”

Today, due in part to the Wanda Vista construction, the race starts and finishes

on Columbus Dr. at Maggie Daley Park. The course incorporates both streets and

the Lakefront Path, winding through Museum Campus and offering sweeping

skyline views.

New Eastside resident Joan Garcia is looking forward to participating in the

race. “The upcoming 10K has allowed me to have a taste of training for longer distances,” Garcia said. “It also brings a sense of pride knowing that I will be running in such a beautiful city that I call home.”

At the conclusion of the race, participants can look forward to the Spring Market Finish Festival which will provide a hot gourmet breakfast buffet, refreshing drinks

and a complimentary Lagunitas beer to those 21 and older. Visit the flower station

to plant a flower in a pot to take home as a reminder of the spring season, and enjoy

live music in Maggie Daley Park.

Youngsters can compete in the Junior Dash, which uses the Skating Ribbon as a

course. Distances vary by age, but every little runner receives a t-shirt and finisher prize.

For more information and to register, visit www.chicagospringhalf.com

Published on May 3