Guide to Chicago’s Running Community 2025
Read & Run Chicago and Family Style RC at Read & Run Chicago’s Chinatown Fun Run with author Kara Eng in May 2025.
By Allison Yates, Fernanda Wetzel, Randy Shaw, and Courtney Schaaf
If it feels like everyone you know has started running, you aren’t far off: an estimated over 50 million people in the U.S. run for exercise on a consistent basis, and according to data from RunRepeat, almost 30% of those started during the pandemic.
Chicago is no exception. Head down Lakeshore Drive at any point in the day, and you’re bound to see cyclists, walkers, and packs of people training together. Though Chicago has long been considered a running-centric city–the modern Chicago Marathon was one of the first in the U.S. after the 1970s ‘running boom’–the post-pandemic surge in running, racing, and run clubs has created a new kind of running community, one focused on inclusion and equity, body-positive health and wellness, and forging in-person social ties we so desperately seek.
Read & Run Chicago team member Fernanda with a group of runners on one of our Independent Bookstore Day Run Crawls.
At Read & Run Chicago, we host year-round events with guided runs inspired by books set in Chicago. At an approachable 11:00 minute per mile pace with several stops, our three- to five-mile runs attract new and veteran runners alike, and we get frequent questions from readers & runners about where to train, who to train with, and how to keep running casually outside of our events.
Fernanda and Allison at Read & Run Chicago created this guide–along with the expertise of local runners and frequent run club hoppers Randy Shaw and Courtney Schaaf–to help you navigate the booming Chicago running scene.
Whether you’re a first-time runner looking for a running group in Chicago, searching for a marathon training group, or simply looking for local run clubs to get your miles in, here’s what you need to know about Chicago’s running community.
The local running scene in Chicago–and how to find groups
Where to find run clubs in Chicago
👟Chicago Event Management (CEM), the company that organizes the Chicago Distance Series, has a directory of verified local clubs
👟Randy lists run club meetups daily on his Instagram account, Chicago Running Passport
👟Groups often post meetups on platforms like Pie, SweatPals, Eventbrite, and Meetup. Search terms like “Chicago” and “Running” to find upcoming runs
👟 Read & Run Chicago community lead Cynthia Chen takes readers & runners on a field trip to visit a new run club each month. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Chicago is a wonderful city for runners (have you seen our lakefront?) and while solo miles can be great, running with others can elevate your experience, whether for motivation, new routes, or social interaction. Chicago’s vast network of local running groups caters to all levels and interests.
So what’s the “scene” like? In Chicago, many run clubs have historically been more than just a place for exercise–they’ve also gone hand-in-hand with the fight for visibility and representation in the running industry.
In fact, the Chicago Area Running Association (CARA), today the city’s largest training program, incorporated in 1978, one year after the first Chicago Marathon, primarily to advocate for better race conditions and women’s participation in the sport. Shortly after, South Side-based group Rainbow Runners created visibility and a safe space for Black runners, while Pilsen’s Venados was founded in 1981 to serve that neighborhood. The Chicago chapter of the international LGBTQ organization Frontrunners began organizing on the North Side in 1982. With the exception of Rainbow Runners, which later morphed into Men Run Deez Streets, CARA, Venados, and Frontrunners are still cornerstones in the running community.
Though these longstanding groups have been advocating for their communities, the most recent running boom ushered in dozens of new groups, many filling gaps in the training and community space alongside training. For example, many new Chicago run clubs are focused on creating safe spaces for affinity groups, like Logan Square’s Out There Run Club, a new queer and trans-led run club. Others aim to create more access for underrepresented communities on the South and West Sides, like Onthe9 Run Crew. And sometimes, like the case of groups like #FriendsRunning Chicago, Family Style RC, Logan Square’s Palmer Bar Runs (PBR), “Chicago’s easiest run club,” or West Town Brew Crew, simply exist for fun and camaraderie–and often food and drink.
If you’re simply looking to run with people in your neighborhood, many groups cater to residents in specific neighborhoods (though all are welcome) with weekly training runs. Here are just a few examples:
👟Blue Line Run Club–Bucktown
👟Evanston Running Club–Evanston
👟Gold Coast Run Club–Gold Coast
👟Lakeview Run Club–Lakeview
👟South Loop Run Club–South Loop
👟River North Run Club–River North
👟Rogers Park Running Club–Rogers Park
👟Peace Runners 773–Garfield Park
👟Viento LVRC—Little Village
👟Midway Mile Chasers Run Club—Midway
Social media has also played a huge role in the success of Chicago run clubs, with most of them advertising meetups on Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok. These outlets are also a great way to build community, highlight members, and entice others to join in the fun.
To find others like those listed above, simply open a social media platform like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, and type in the name of your neighborhood + “run club” and you’re sure to find one. It can feel like there are endless options, so keep reading to help decide which is right for you.
Tips for joining the right Chicago run club
Top tips for joining the right club:
👟Pace: Check the groups’s advertised pacing. If they say “all paces welcome,” ask specifically how they plan to make all paces welcome.
👟Meetup schedule: Some groups like Chingonas meet intermittently, while other groups have weekly or bi-weekly consistent schedules. Check the group’s schedule and find what cadence works for you.
👟Vibe: Are you looking for an intense workout or more of a social outing? While some local run clubs have certified coaches, many others are casual, existing simply to encourage healthy lifestyles and friendships, so you’ll find people walking, stopping, or being more lax with start and end times. Checking social media accounts and paying close attention to captions can help you determine the vibe of each group.
Readers & runners at the Light of Truth Ida B. Wells Monument in Bronzeville in July 2024.
Once you find a group that seems to align with your needs and interests, check for specifics like pacing, meetup times, and locations to see if it fits your schedule and desired training outcomes. Check the groups’ social media–who is in their photos? How do they describe themselves in captions? Do they give a clear description of what you can expect? If you’re nervous and still have questions, send a private message to the group before joining.
Know that while all groups have their merits, you may have to try out a few different groups until you find the right one for you, but don’t be discouraged–there are countless opportunities.
[Related: Essential Tips for Runners & Book Lovers: Your First Read & Run Chicago Experience]
Best Chicago run clubs for new, casual & slow runners
Go-to run clubs for slow runners:
👟Chicago Slow Run Club: a new club that meets in the Grant Park/Millenium Park area
👟Dementes Run Club: a “non-elite” run club based out of Round Lake, IL
👟South Loop Runners Slow Pokes: an extension of South Loop Runners made just for their slower members
👟Tortugas Run Club: a Pilsen-based run club designed for “back of the pack” runners
When most people think of running, they think of running fast. But speed is relative, and sometimes people just want to be social while they exercise. Fortunately, a growing number of run clubs now promote a shorter walk route in addition to their regular run routes. Almost all run clubs advertise “all paces welcome,” and some will even divide up into pace groups. For those who may feel intimidated by faster runners, there are some great clubs who actually focus on the slow runner.
Best Chicago running stores for all your gear
Top running stores in Chicago
👟 Fleet Feet Chicago: the city’s most notable store with four locations within the city limits
👟Heartbreak Hill Running Company: the Chicago outpost of the Boston-based store
At Read & Run Chicago, we support small businesses as much possible, and running stores are no exception. Chicago and its surrounding areas have several running stores stocked with shoes, apparel, and gear for all things running. While department and other big box stores sell plenty of running-related gear, Chicago’s locally-owned running stores are also hubs for the community.
Fleet Feet Chicago: With multiple locations across the city, Fleet Feet is a go-to for many Chicago runners. They offer expert shoe fittings using advanced technology, a wide selection of shoes and apparel from various brands, training programs, and host local running groups.
Heartbreak Hill Running Company: Originating in Boston, this store has a Chicago presence and offers a premium experience with a focus on performance and community. They provide detailed shoe fittings, carry high-end brands, and offer coached community runs.
For several years, Ian Gonzalez ran the only Black-owned running store in Chicago out of Boxville, Last Lap Cornerstore. Though the store is on hiatus due to financial difficulties, we hope to see this great store back in business soon.
If you’re in the suburbs, try woman-owned Peak Running in Downers Grove, Naperville Running Company, and Commonwealth Running in Evanston.
Where to discover the best running events in Chicago
Top places to find running events
👟Fleet Feet Chicago–Chicago’s best-known running store is a community hub
👟Read & Run Chicago–our events with book-themed guided runs happen year round
Now you run—and maybe train. So how do you find other fun ways to keep running with others? Between clothing and shoe brands, local Chicago run clubs, and communities like Read & Run Chicago and the Illinois Brewery Running Series, you’ll find running events nearly every night of the week ranging from elite athlete book talks and meet-and-greets to gatherings focused on fundraising and community.
A higher concentration of running events in Chicago pop-up around the city’s three major races, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K in March, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 in June, and the culminating event, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October, as well as Global Running Day on June 5.
While many of these events are communicated via influencers like readers & runners Zhenya and Erica, Lululemon athlete Kayla Jetter, and others and on social media (primarily Instagram), there are a few tried and true places to stay in the know. Fleet Feet Chicago’s social media and newsletters are a great place to start. As Chicago’s top running store, Fleet Feet often partners with brands for shoe demos, eateries like Jeni’s ice cream, local run clubs like Latinas Run for special events, and more.
Other stores and gyms like Patagonia, Arc’Teryx, Lululemon, Edge Athlete Lounge, and Heartbreak Hill frequently host special running events.
Top resources for finding races in Chicago
Top running races in Chicago
👟The Chicago Distance Series–three races of cumulative distances culminating in the Chicago Marathon
👟 Hot Chocolate Run—one of the most popular races in the city offers 5K, 10K, and 15K options plus a 2-mile walk
👟 Life Time Chicago Half Marathon—this popular half marathon is a frequent training run for those running the Chicago Marathon
Running isn’t all about racing—in fact, we take things pretty easy at Read & Run Chicago—but many runners love to challenge themselves towards a new racing goal. Chicago’s most popular race series is the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, three races of varying—and building—distances throughout the year, starting with the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K in March, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 in June, and the culminating event, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.
[Related: Chicago Readers & Runners Race the Chicago Distance Series in the Entries for Equity Program]
For distances beyond 10K, many run clubs rally around other running races in Chicago including the annual F^3 Half Marathon in January, the Soldier Field 10 and Life Time Chicago Spring Half in May, and the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon in September.
The Soldier Field 10 is presented by the same organizers as other popular races including May’s Cinco de Miler and the Hot Chocolate Run each November. Joining one of those races usually includes discounts to the others.
Hundreds of other 5K and 10K races take place throughout the year–in fact, if you’re training on the Lakefront in the summer, it often feels like there’s a new 5K happening weekly (there probably is)–many connected to charities, affinity groups, and even some including classic Chicago staples like Malort and Stan’s Donuts. Local run groups, schools, and workplaces often gather teams for these fun runs.
For example, June’s annual Proud to Run race has been fundraising for the LGBTQ community since 1982, while August’s Dim Sum and Then Some 5K and 10K supports the work of the historic Chinese Mutual Aid Association.
Outside of the Chicago Distance Series and the city’s biggest half marathons, Fleet Feet Chicago’s racing calendar is a great place to start for a trustworthy list of other notable races.
If you’re looking for races in the general Chicagoland area–perhaps including nature–the Des Plaines River Trail Races, Hidden Gem Half Marathon, All Community Events races and Universal Sole races are great options.
Where to train for running races in Chicago
Best places to train for races in Chicago
👟Chicago Area Running Association (CARA)--Chicago’s largest network for training programs
👟Edge Athlete Lounge–this run club trains you for everything from your first 5K to your 100-miler
👟Chicago Endurance Sports (CES) x Fleet Feet Chicago–joining this twice weekly coached workout program gets you perks like discounts, gear, and more
Signing up for races gives you that endorphin high—and then you realize you’ve got to train (PeaceRunners773 described the feeling best in this video). Luckily, there are endless training programs online. If you’re a beginner, Read & Run Chicago guide Cindy Kuzma built this program with SELF to help you love running over 12 weeks.
If you’re looking for both an in-person training program and community, Chicago has many training options for runners prepping for distances ranging from 10K to ultramarathons.
Many Chicago community run clubs organize around affinity groups, hobbies, or neighborhoods, but many others like Midway Mile Chasers, PeaceRunners773, Onthe9 Run Crew, and 7onSundays are also led by certified run coaches.
Beyond community run clubs, groups like Edge Athlete Lounge, Allison’s longterm training group, Chicago Area Running Association (CARA), Chicago Endurance Sports (CES) x Fleet Feet Chicago, Second City Track Club, and Heartbreak Hill offer robust programs for Chicago runners training for races.
[Related: Should You Join Read & Run Events During Training Season? Here’s What Three Experts Have to Say]
Chicago’s best running trails and jogging routes
Readers & runners at Bunker Hill Forest Preserve off the North Branch Trail in October 2022.
Best places to run in Chicago:
👟Lakefront Trail–nearly 20 miles of an uninterrupted, mostly flat foot path with the best skyline and lake views
👟The Bloomingdale Trail at the 606–a 2.7-mile flat path, one of the most popular Bucktown spots for speed and repeats
👟North Branch Trail–20 miles of flat, paved path on the Northwest side of the city ending at the Chicago Botanic Gardens
👟Major Taylor Trail–A 8.1-mile flat, paved path commemorating cycling legend Major Taylor
Living in Chicago offers so many opportunities for beautiful running routes on a daily basis. For Fernanda, her go-to place is the Lakefront Trail for long runs. She’s not alone–millions of people flock to the nearly 20 miles of lakefront each year. Mostly flat and well maintained, there are a few stand-out sections:
North Side: Here, you’ll find stretches through parks, museums (like the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo), and several harbors.
Central Section (Downtown): This is the “Chicago” you see in the media: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the towering skyscrapers. For many runners, they try to avoid this after a certain time in the summer– it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
South of the Loop (Museum Campus & beyond): This stretch takes you from Chicago’s “museum campus” (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium), and typically gets less congested as you head south.
If you’re new to running on the lakefront and want a more detailed description with safety tips, Allison wrote this guide for RunStreet.
Fernanda also loves exploring different neighborhoods (and its coffee shops and bakeries–she is Read & Run Chicago’s bakery fun run expert, after all!) on shorter runs–and whether the wind chill along the lake is too much or you’re ready for urban sightseeing, there are also plenty of inland spots for running.
On the North Side of Chicago, the Bloomingdale Trail at the 606 is a well-frequented, 2.7-mile east-to-west elevated path stretching from Bucktown to Logan Square. Allison uses this path for speed and tempo runs with her training group, Edge Athlete Lounge, and you’ll also find several other local run clubs like Blue Line Run Club and 606 Athletic Club using it often.
[Related: 15 Best Places to Run in Chicago]
One of Chicago’s notable urban planning designs is its “boulevards”–wide streets connecting to several historic West and South Side parks, including Garfield Park, Douglas Park, Jackson Park, and others. Tracing the boulevards and the parks’ perimeters are great ways to clock miles–and get some history.
Occasionally, Fernanda will also venture out to the suburbs. For her and many other Chicagoans, taking a drive (or a Metra train!) is a must for elevation (we’ll be honest–it’s still not much) or trail race training.
[Related: Trail Runs Inspired by Chicago Transit Hikes]
Cook County Forest Preserves is one of the largest and most unique of its kind in the U.S., and many of its preserves are go-to spots for elevation gain and rougher terrain. At the Palos Trail System–one of Fernanda’s occasional haunts–you’ll find favorites like Swallow Cliff Stairs and nearby Waterfall Glen. When Allison needs to wake up the glutes, you’ll find her at Swallow Cliff doing rounds of stairs followed by a one-mile flat loop. For rolling hills on the North Side, Deer Grove Forest Preserve has a five-mile loop with views of ponds and open fields and plenty of wildlife, and preserves and streets around Barrington is another frequented spot for hill chasers.
[Related: Best Chicagoland Trails to Explore This Winter, According to Nature Experts]
Though flatter, the seemingly endless unpaved Des Plaine River Trail, I&M Canal State Trail, and in the Western suburbs, you’ll also find several rails-to-trails paths like the Illinois Prairie Path and others like the Fox River Trail.
Where athletes recover in chicago: from ice baths to infrared saunas
Sore muscles after training? Recovery like massages, compression boots, saunas, cold plunges, and cryotherapy is all the rage–and there are plenty of places around the city you can visit to experience their benefits. Allison is a huge fan of cold tubs and sits in frigid water multiple times per week at her gym, Edge Athlete Lounge.
For compression boots, start here:
Restore Hyper Wellness - various locations on the North Side and West Loop
Edge Athlete Lounge - Lincoln Yards
For saunas and cold plunge combinations, start here:
Chicago Cold Plunge + Sauna - West Town
SWTHZ - Old Town, Lincoln Park, and West Loop
Float Sixty Chicago - River North
Ethos Training - Roscoe Village
For no-frills saunas, start here:
For cryotherapy, start here:
The Cryobar in Lincoln Park and West Loop
Restore Hyper Wellness - various locations on the North Side and West Loop
For stretching, start here:
StretchLab - various locations around the city