Best Places To Run in Chicago, Illinois

Explore the most scenic running routes in and around Chicago.

Top Places To Run

Running Events in Chicago

Wild Blossom Haunted Wine Run 5k
12Oct
5K

Wild Blossom Haunted Wine Run 5k

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Rosehill Cemetery 'crypt' 5k Run/walk
19Oct
5K

Rosehill Cemetery 'crypt' 5k Run/walk

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km
26Oct
5K
Half-Marathon

Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Howl-o-ween 5k - Dan Ryan Woods
26Oct
5K

Howl-o-ween 5k - Dan Ryan Woods

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunGroop
Polish Independence Run
26Oct
5K
10K

Polish Independence Run

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Run Chi-town "windy City" 5k/10k/13.1 Fall
1Nov
5K
+1
+1

Run Chi-town "windy City" 5k/10k/13.1 Fall

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Veterans Day Freedom Run 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston
15Nov
5K
+1
+1

Veterans Day Freedom Run 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Grant Park Turkey Trot 5k & 10k
27Nov
5K
10K

Grant Park Turkey Trot 5k & 10k

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Santa Hustle Chicago
6Dec
5K
10K

Santa Hustle Chicago

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
Run Against Breast Cancer 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston
13Dec
5K
+1
+1

Run Against Breast Cancer 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
A Merry Christmas Run 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston
27Dec
5K
+1
+1

A Merry Christmas Run 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup
New Year New Me Run 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston
3Jan
5K
+2
+1

New Year New Me Run 5k/10k/13.1 Chicago/evanston

Chicago, IL
Organized by RunSignup

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you choose the top places to run in Chicago?
    We rank routes based on community feedback, scenery, safety, accessibility, and popularity among local runners in Chicago.
  • Are these routes suitable for beginners?
    Yes! Many routes listed are flat and beginner-friendly, but we also include more challenging runs with elevation and distance for experienced runners.
  • Can I suggest a new running route?
    Absolutely. Scroll to the bottom of the route detail page and click 'Suggest a Route' to submit your favorite running spot.
  • Are these routes verified or user-submitted?
    Our team curates these routes based on local data and contributions. We also allow runners to upload photos, ratings, and tips.