Half Day at the Lake

GIFT CARD RAFFLE!

Register by July 31 for a chance to win one of eight gift cards worth up to $50 towards Commonwealth Running Company!

EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH 7/31

Register through 7/31 to get $15 off registration ($60 - 6 hour, $70 - 12 hour through 7/31, $75 - 6 hour, $85 - 12 hour after 7/31

Race Description

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! The 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 scenic Northwestern University Campus, this 2 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 pictures from our website of the race route and surrounding area. The start/finish is also blocks away from both the CTA Purple Line and Metra UP-North Line Davis Street Stations (see map for exact locations). In addition to having one of the best routes in the Chicago area (maybe I’m a little biased), finishers will be greeted with an ice cold can of Hop Water (non-alcoholic) courtesy of our friends and sponsors at Sketchbook Brewery. Unique to this event, finishers will also receive a custom hand-made award to be featured on the race website soon. Pacers are allowed to be used during this race, I ask that you please notify us at check in if you are utilizing a pacer. Additionally, if your pacer is going to run all or the majority of a race (12 hour runner uses a pacer for the last 6 hours for example), I ask that you please email runningisfunsometimes@gmail.com to register the pacer for a small fee of $20. 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.

The Course

The course is a 2 mile loop along a shared paved path and some crushed gravel (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 approval 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 as well as hand made finisher awards! (pictures of previous year(s) awards are in our photos).

Aid Stations

The route will include 2 aid stations. One main aid station at the start/finish with a variety of snacks, beverages, and hot soup/noodles/broth, and another smaller aid station near the far north end of the loop. The small aid station will only have snacks/food options, but there are multiple water fountains along the path/race route to utilize as well as water, soda, and sports drinks available at the main aid station near the start/finish.

Awards

One of my favorite elements of this race will be the one-of-a-kind, handcrafted awards presented to all finishers. A description and picture of the award will be featured on our website soon! There will be no individual finisher awards to keep the spirit of “running for fun” alive.

Packet Pickup

Friday, 9/25 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Commonwealth Running Company 1631 Sherman Ave Evanston, IL 60201 Saturday, 9/26 (Race Day) 6:00 - 6:45 am for the 12 hour race. Anytime before 12:45 pm for the 6 hour race. Centennial Park 1821 Sheridan Rd Evanston, IL 60208 Late registration isn’t a problem so please still show up even if you end up running late on race day. Race day packet pickup will be at the table/tent area near the start/finish. RACE START TIME: 12 hour: 7AM | 6 hour: 1PM Depending on the number of registrants, we may have 2-3 waves at the start but not separated by more than a couple of minutes. All participants will have the full 6 or 12 hours to complete laps.

Parking

There is no free parking directly along the route, however, there is free parking at the NU Lakeside Parking Structure near the start/finish as well as additional free street parking on the N/S streets of Hinman and Judson just west of Sheridan if needed. I have also included the parking location on the race map with additional 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.

Refund/Cancellation

Because this is a small, independent race, we cannot guarantee refunds for cancellations. That being said, we will do our best to work with participants with extenuating circumstances, especially if higher registration numbers allow for more flexibility. We will also be happy to offer deferrals to next year's race. Any deferral or cancellation request must be submitted by September 19, 2026.

Sponsors

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors at Commonwealth Running Company and Sketchbook Brewery