Where - Clark Street Beach/Centennial Park, Evanston
When - Saturday Sept. 20 2025
Race Details
The 2nd Annual 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 beautiful 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 of the pictures from the route on our website. 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).
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!
1800 Sheridan Road
Centennial Park
Evanston, IL 60208
2 Races
12 hour race - 7 am start
6 hour race - 1 pm start
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.
Registration will close on Tuesday, September 16th, at midnight. Please keep an eye on the website and read emails as some details may change based on number of registrants. This event is directed by an RRCA Certified Race Director.
Packet Pickup
Friday 9/19 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Commonwealth Running Company
Race Day 9/20 6:00 am - 15 minutes prior to race start at Centennial Park
The Course
The course is a 2- mile loop along a shared paved path (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 approved by the city of Evanston and Northwestern University so there are no other events occurring on the path on race day. The course also includes numerous water fountains and a 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 in addition to a special, hand-crafted finisher award to be featured on the website soon.
Aid Stations
The route will include 2 aid stations. One main aid station at the start/finish will have a variety of snacks, Gatorade beverages, and hot noodles and broth. The smaller aid station near the top of the north loop will only have snacks/food options and water, but there are multiple water fountains along the path/race route to utilize and beverages available at the main aid station near the start/finish.
Runners will also have the option of setting up chairs, coolers, and even tents or canopies (must be smaller than 10x10) near the start/finish area to utilize during the race.
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 a map with parking locations and 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.