Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon

One of the fastest-growing areas in one of the fastest-growing sports is the half marathon, a length that presents a formidable yet doable distance for more runners than a marathon and one that takes a lesser toll on your body. No wonder, then, that Chicago has seen significant growth and transition in its half-marathon offerings over the last year. Not only were both of our long-running races sold to national outfits, but two new 13.1 milers were added to the mix. They’re all fine races—at that distance, most operators know what they’re doing—but the Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon stands a few inches taller than the rest. Not only does it run along the scenic and accessible course starting downtown in Grant Park, but every detail seems to be executed with a great deal of thought and experience. Those details include integrating sponsor offerings into making the event a festive experience—Free Chinese food! Free beer!—to the even more important small details throughout the process that make the actual running as smooth as it can be.

August 1, 2010, http://chicago.competitor.com

Best of Chicago 2009