Chicago Athlete 2018 April Issue

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WHICH EVENTS WILL YOU RUN IN 2018?

chicago athlete ENDURANCE SPORTS AND FITNESS

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+ TOP 74 MARATHONS AND HALF MARATHONS

RACES IN THE MIDWEST

APRIL 2018

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april 2018

Full and Half Marathons in the Midwest Runners are creatures of habits; when they find a shoe, a trail or a race they like, they tend to stick to it. Sometimes it’s good to switch things up, though, especially when it comes to a race schedule.

There are so many races in the Midwest, it can be hard to pick just a few each year. From scenic small-town suburban races to larger lakefront runs, we’ve compiled a list of the best marathons and half marathons in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan. We dare you to try something outside of your borders and outside of your comfort zone in 2018.

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BOSTON

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Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon

APRIL 7 | SPRINGFIELD, IL Why it’s great: The half marathon is not only a USATF certified course, but is also the most historical in the state. Run where Abraham walked when passing Old State Capitol, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln’s final resting place and so many other landmarks in Illinois’ historical capital city.

2017 Participants: 1,220

South Shore Half Marathon

APRIL 7 | MILWAUKEE, WI Why it’s great: Part of the Badgerland Striders Series, the South Shore Half is a USATF certified out-and-back course, that starts and ends in a heated indoor pavilion. The race itself is also extremely cheap; less than $1 per mile for BLS members and only $20 total for non-members.

2017 Participants: 860

Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon & Half Marathon

APRIL 28 | CHAMPAIGN, IL Why it’s great: The 10th running of this event takes place this year, and the USATF-certified and Boston Qualifying course runs through the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus, and finishes on the 50-yard line of Memorial Stadium. Also, fleece blankets are given out at the finish line.

2017 Participants: 1,217 marathoners; 3,783 half marathoners

BOSTON

BQ QUALIFIER

Circular Logic Marathon

APRIL 7 | WEST LAFAYETTE, IN Why it’s great: The unique set-up makes this race stand out from other marathons; running a one-mile loop through the West Lafayette Trail system over and over requires intense patience and strategy, but the low price motivates winter running.

2017 Participants: 208

Lincoln-Way Half Marathon

APRIL 22 | FRANKFORT, IL Why it’s great: Runners get to experience the tree-lined Old Plank Trail and Hickory Creek Forest Preserve in the Lincoln-Way Half Marathon, which starts in historical downtown Frankfort.

The race is hilly and challenging, and raises money for the students and staff of Lincoln-Way High Schools.

2017 Participants: 122

Door County Half Marathon

MAY 5 | FISH CREEK, WI Why it’s great: The entire Door County Half Marathon is run on a closed, USATF-certified road course through one of the Midwest’s most admired destinations – Peninsula State Park. The course goes along the shores of Green Bay and the bluffs of Niagara Escarpment as well, and has historic markers throughout.

2017 Participants: 16,000 BOSTON

BQ QUALIFIER

Wisconsin Marathon and Half Marathon Notre Dame Holy Half Marathon

APRIL 7 | NOTRE DAME, IN Why it’s great: In its 14th consecutive year, this race is one of the largest student-organized events at the University of Notre Dame. The course runs throughout the school campus, and raises money for different causes each year.

2017 Participants: 1,700

Naperville Women’s Half Marathon

APRIL 22 | NAPERVILLE, IL Why it’s great: As the name suggests, this half marathon is open for women only, and benefits two charities: Little Friends and 360 Youth Services. The USATF certified course starts at North Central College and winds through downtown Naperville.

2017 Participants: 1,732

MAY 5 | KENOSHA, WI Why it’s great: This race is based on cheese. Enough said. But for real, nothing beats running along the lakefront of Lake Michigan and enjoying a brat afterwards. This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of the race, and those who have run all 10 years will receive a special Wisconsin Marathon fleece blanket.

2017 Participants: 549 marathoners, 1,271 half marathoners MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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BOSTON

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Journeys Marathon and Half Marathon

One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon

MAY 5 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN Why it’s great: It’s only appropriate that Indianapolis hosts a race surrounding the Indy 500, where runners get to run a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and an IndyCar leads each wave. This race is one of the nation’s largest half marathons, and American runner Meb Keflezighi will once again take on the flat and fast course.

2017 Participants: 35,000

BOSTON

Kalamazoo Marathon and Borgess Half Marathon

MAY 6 | KALAMAZOO, MI Why it’s great: The USATF certified courses provide a scenic tour of Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University.

Both races have the same 3.5 mile start and share the finish.

2017 Participants: 884 marathoners; 1,961 half marathoners

MAY 12 | EAGLE RIVER, WI Why it’s great: Both races are pointto-point courses, and both start at White Birch village, traveling through the popular vacation spot, Eagle River, Wisconsin. The entire course is scenic, with country roads, lakes and forests, but the terrain is paved throughout. There is also a 13.1-mile power walking option.

2017 Participants: 56 marathoners; 280 half marathoners

BOSTON

BQ QUALIFIER

Southwest Half Marathon

Starved Rock Country Marathon & Half Marathon

Geist Half Marathon

MAY 12 | OTTAWA, IL Why it’s great: Both races provide a tour of Illinois’ number one attraction and the Illinois river. The marathon has rolling country hills, rock formations and heavily wooded areas. The half, on the other hand, is a newly designed point-to-point route that is flat and fast.

2017 Participants: 134 marathoners; 491 half marathoners

MAY 19 | FISHERS, IN Why it’s great: Another scenic course to add to your spring lineup, the Geist Half Marathon is one of the most challenging races in the country due to its hills.

Proceeds from the race go to schools in the area, and since its beginning in 2008, it has raised over $400,000. In 2017, 1,800 of the participants from all distances were local students.

2017 Participants: 988

Great Western Half Marathon

Ice Age Trail Half Marathon

Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon

MAY 6 | PALOS HEIGHTS, IL Why it’s great: The entire 13.1 mile course only has three turns and is completely flat, making it the ideal race for your PR. The course runs through Palos Park and other Cook County Forest Preserves, and with the recent repaving of IL Route 83, runners will fly. The race has given $200,000 to charities over the last 10 years.

2017 Participants: 1,250

MAY 6 | SYCAMORE, IL Why it’s great: The Great Western Half is a USATF certified point-to-point race that starts in Sycamore, runs along the flat Great Western Trail, and ends in St. Charles. Proceeds go to the Special Olympics Illinois program, and in 2018 it has been designated a Road Runners Club of America Regional Championship Race.

2017 Participants: 1,200 6

APRIL 2018

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MAY 12 | LA GRANGE, WI Why it’s great: The two-loop counter-clockwise course was designed to take runners through a variety of vegetation, hardwoods, pine plantations, open meadows and kettle moraine terrain. Although it is a trail race, the trails are very wide, and represents every type of terrain found in Wisconsin. It is part of the Badgerland Strider race series.

2017 Participants: 195

MAY 20 | CHICAGO, IL Why it’s great: This race features a classic downtown course, with views of the skyline and lake available as it runs along the Lakefront Path and finishes on Columbus Drive near Maggie Daley Park. The half provides a gourmet hot breakfast to all participants after the race, and runners can take home spring flowers for free, part of the Spring Market Finish Festival.

2017 Participants: 3,933

BOSTON

BQ QUALIFIER

Chicagoland Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

MAY 20 | SCHAUMBURG, IL Why it’s great: The Chicagoland Spring Marathon is a Boston qualifying USATF-certified course. Both courses get a tour of Busse Woods Forest Preserve, and the surrounding Schaumburg area. The race supports charity Special Olympics Illinois.

2017 Participants: 335 marathon; 956 half marathoners BOSTON

North Mitten Half Marathon

MAY 27 | THOMPSONVILLE, MI Why it’s great: The North Mitten Half Marathon puts a summer approach on skiing with a run around the Crystal Mountain property. Although the race doesn’t climb the mountain, runners can expect paved roads, dirt roads and trails that are open and flat. The top male and female runners each receive a free River Kayak and an entry into next year’s race.

2017 Participants: 106

Run Galesburg Run 13.1

JUNE 3 | GALESBURG, IL Why it’s great: Specifically called the Cottage Hospital Half Marathon, the course is a flat and fast route that runs on the streets of Historic Galesburg. For a race in early June, directors ensure there is plenty of shade throughout. All finishers receive a bottle of Dave’s Gator Sauce.

2017 Participants: 151

BOSTON

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Cellcom Green Bay Marathon & Half Marathon

MAY 20 | GREEN BAY, WI Why it’s great: Green Bay Packer fans will enjoy this race, as both the half and full distance start in front of Lambeau Field, and finish in the field parking area with a tailgate-themed party. The course itself is flat and fast, so runners can get have their best performances in the same spot as professional football players.

2017 Participants: 1021 marathoners; 4,144 half marathoners

Crossroads Regional Marathon & Half Marathon

MAY 27 | CROWN POINT, IN Why it’s great: This race gives a tour of several regions of Indiana, but is only 40 minutes from Chicago. The course is on city streets and a paved bike trail, making it a fast route to help runners qualify for Boston.

Money from the race benefits O.A.R and research for Autism.

2017 Participants: 150 total

North Shore Classic Half Marathon

JUNE 3 | HIGHLAND PARK, IL Why it’s great: Ram Racing’s annual event is held in downtown Highland Park, and runs by the lakefront and over many steep hills. Because it runs through the different neighborhoods, often time residents provide support, including sprinklers for hot days and water. This race is a great way to start off marathon training.

2017 Participants: 1,170

BOSTON

BQ QUALIFIER

Bayshore Marathon and Half Marathon

MAY 26 | TRAVERSE CITY, MI Why it’s great: Celebrating its 36th Anniversary, the Bayshore Marathon has become a “must run” for runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. The marathon is an out-andback course, and the half is a point-topoint, both running along East Grand Traverse Bay. The number of runners in each race is limited to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

2017 Participants: 1,708 marathoners; 2,774 half marathoners 8

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Heartland Marathon and Half Marathon Sunburst Half Marathon

JUNE 2 | SOUTH BEND, IN Why it’s great: The half marathon combines three sports into one: running, baseball and football. It begins at Four Winds Fieldhouse, where the South Bend Cubs play, and finishes on the 50-yard line of Notre Dame Stadium.

2017 Participants: 267

JUNE 7 | CLINTON, IA Why it’s great: This race is part of the Heartland Series, that runs from June 3 to 9, and takes place in seven Midwestern states. The Iowa race takes place on the Discovery Trail, and is very flat and paved, but requires 12 laps for the marathon course.

2017 Participants: 45 marathoners; 45 half marathoners

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BOSTON

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HFM Maritime Marathon

JUNE 10 | MANITOWOC, WI Why it’s great: The HFM Maritime Marathon is Wisconsin’s premier east coast marathon. Both the full and half features out-and-back courses with amazing views of Lake Michigan’s shoreline as you run from Manitowoc to Two Rivers.

All proceeds benefit a local non-profit, and over $65,000 has been raised from this race in its six years.

2017 Participants: 159 marathoners; 159 half marathoners BOSTON

DreamBank Her Madison Half Marathon

JUNE 24 | MADISON, WI Why it’s great: This half marathon course is challenging, and highlights the beautiful shores of Lake Mendota. Starting at Hilldale Shopping Center, participants run through Shorewood Hills Village and along Lake Mendota Drive. It doesn’t stop there though; the entire experience is a race weekend retreat.

2017 Participants: 502 BOSTON

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Charlevoix Marathon and Half Marathon

JUNE 23 | CHARLEVOIX, MI Why it’s great: Named one of the best small town marathons in the United States, the marathon and half marathon both offer beautiful views; they start on Bridge Street in Michigan, and finish along Lake Michigan and Round Lake. The courses also wind around ski mountain Mount McSauba and past Little Traverse Bay. 2017 Participants: 349 marathoners; 705 half marathoners

University of Okoboji Marathon & Half Marathon

JULY 21 | OKOBOJI, IA Why it’s great: The “university” of Okoboji isn’t a real university; it’s a legend created by retail owners in Milford, Iowa to represent times had at the Okoboji Lakes. The races run along the lakes on a blacktop surface, and have a number of rolling hills.

2017 Participants: 57 marathoners; 205 half marathoners

The Legend Half Marathon

AUGUST 4 | LAINGSBURG, MI Why it’s great: The course circles Lake Ovid and several other small lakes in a beautiful, lightly hiked and biked area of Michigan. This is definitely a trail race, where most of the path is grass covered, and there are some steeper hills and muddy areas to prepare for.

2017 Participants: 274 BOSTON

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Paavo Nurmi Marathon and Half Marathon

AUGUST 11 | HURLEY, WI Why it’s great: This race takes place near the northernmost river of Wisconsin, and is the state’s oldest marathon, which started in 1969. The name comes from a Finnish Runner who won nine Olympic gold medals. Both distances are point-to-point format, with the half starting at the marathon’s halfway mark, finishing at the same line.

2017 Participants: 80 marathoners; 98 half marathoners

BOSTON

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Run4Troops Marathon

JUNE 23 | DYERSVILLE, IA Why it’s great: Run4Troops was created 10 years ago to support those who serve, and all proceeds from the race support Tri-State Military. Last year, 44 states were represented in support of troops at the race, and over $125,000 has been raised. The course itself is a point-to-point marathon on crushed limestone along the countryside of Iowa.

2017 Participants: 175 10

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Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon

JULY 22 | CHICAGO, IL Why it’s great: While downtown Chicago races on the lakefront are great, the Rock N Roll Half Marathon adds a new element of music; at each mile, live performances are stationed to keep the motivation going. A headliner is at the post-race party too, where finishers get a unique, rockin’ medal.

2017 Participants: 9,838

Madison Mini Marathon

AUGUST 18 | MADISON, WI Why it’s great: Ranked 14th Best Half by Runner’s World magazine in 2013, this scenic 13.1-mile journey will showcase some of the best Madison has to offer.

Some highlights include Capitol Square, Camp Randall Stadium, the Arboretum (including wild turkeys), and the University of Wisconsin Campus. This year marks its 10th year, which will feature a special medal.

2017 Participants: 2,440

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BOSTON

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Strider Half Marathon

AUGUST 25 | MILWAUKEE, WI Why it’s great: The race features the cool shade of the Oak Leak Trail bike path for much of the course and finishes at the beer garden where finishers enjoy a great post-race party with breakfast, beverages, beer and music. This race is part of the Badgerland Striders Series.

2017 Participants: 849 BOSTON

Tour de La Porte Half Marathon

AUGUST 25 | LA PORTE, IN Why it’s great: 100 percent of the proceeds raised for this event provide direct support to local patients with cancer.

The half marathon course features a figure-eight pattern, starting and finishing in Soldiers Memorial Park. Several lakes are passed on the course, making for a scenic route.

2017 Participants: 146 BOSTON

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Marquette Marathon and Half Marathon Wausau Marathon and Half Marathon

AUGUST 25 | WAUSAU, WI Why it’s great: Appropriately enough, the USATF certified races begin and end in Wausau’s Marathon Park, and heads east across the Wisconsin River, providing a scenic route through central Wisconsin.

Plus, this race has free parking.

2017 Participants: 153 marathoners; 210 half marathoners

SEPTEMBER 1 | MARQUETTE, MI Why it’s great: 2018 will be the Marquette Marathon and Half Marathon’s fifth year on the new Ishpeming-toNegaunee-to- Marquette route, which received rave reviews from participants.

Not only are the courses scenic running along the Ore Heritage Trail, but they are fast, have significant elevation drops and visit multiple U.P. cities.

2017 Participants: 272 marathoners; 501 half marathoners

Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

SEPTEMBER 8 | GENEVA, IL Why it’s great: This race is specifically designed and scheduled to help runners get their best chances at a Boston Qualifying time; with a flat course, a cap of 300 runners and time of year, it is ideal conditions. The race is held just before the general registration for Boston opens.

2017 Participants: 215 BOSTON

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Wabash Trace Marathon & Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 8 | SHENANDOAH, IA Why it’s great: Held on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which is a flat, tree-lined converted railroad line trail, creates great conditions for a Boston Qualification. Both courses are USATF certified and point-to-point races, and has free shuttle busses available.

2017 Participants: 84 marathoners; 154 half marathoners

BOSTON

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North Country Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

AUGUST 25 | MANISTEE, MI Why it’s great: This race is known for having the largest half marathon and third largest marathon medals in the United States, so it’s definitely one to try to amp up your medal collection.

Taking place over two days, there are two half marathon races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

2017 Participants: 234 marathoners; 557 half marathoners (between both days) 12

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Half Madness 13.1

SEPTEMBER 2 | BATAVIA, IL Why it’s great: The Half Madness 13.1 race route is a mix of flat to rolling terrain that will bring athletes through the beautiful Batavia and along the winding Fox River. The USATF-certified course is also very spectator friendly, offering several viewing point where runners can see their supporters within walking distance of downtown.

2017 Participants: 697

Alpine Races Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 9 | LAKE ZURICH, IL Why it’s great: The USATF certified half marathon course run through the streets and along the shores of Lake Zurich, which has been named one of the best places to live in the U.S. 2018 will be its 40th running, and has some hills in it’s out-and-back course.

2017 Participants: 405

BOSTON

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Moonlight Miles at Oak Ridge Cemetery Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 15 | SPRINGFIELD, IL Why it’s great: Run on a historic, 160-year-old cemetery on a fully-closed course, under a shining moon in the shadows of Lincoln’s Tomb. Although ran in the dark, the course is very scenic and challenging; plus all runners will receive glow necklaces to light up the night with.

2017 Participants: 31

Fox Cities Marathon and Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 21 | APPLETON, WI Why it’s great: This year’s Community First Fox Cities races feature several miles of paved trail running and many more of scenic park and waterfront sections of the course. Both courses are USATF certified, and the marathon is a 2019 and 2020 Boston Qualifier.

2017 Participants: 434 marathoners; 2,030 half marathoners

BOSTON

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Discover Whitewater Series Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 23 | WHITEWATER, WI Why it’s great: Get the ultimate tour of Whitewater, Wisconsin in this race, which starts at the high school, and completes a loop towards the university and through several parks. The finish line party will be on the Whitewater High School track, with breakfast and other refreshments.

2017 Participants: 194

BOSTON

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South Holland Heritage Haul Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 15 | SOUTH HOLLAND, IL Why it’s great: Less than an hour from Chicago, South Holland is known for its village parks, which the race course runs through. It starts and finishes in Memorial Park, transitioning from city roads to paved trails near the Calumet River, giving the full tour of South Holland.

2017 Participants: 47

Quad Cities Marathon and Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 23 | MOLINE, IL Why it’s great: This scenic race takes place along the Mississippi River, and is flat and fast, making it a great Boston Qualifying marathon. The race supports prostate cancer research, screening and education, along with a few other causes too.

2017 Participants: 399 marathoners; 1,776 half marathoners

BOSTON

Indy Women’s Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 29 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN Why it’s great: This race is another women’s-only event, that raises money for the charity, Indiana Women In Need.

IWIN supports women statewide receiving treatment for breast cancer by helping with financial, physical and emotional services. The course is a long loop that runs long the White River.

2017 Participants: 1,299 BOSTON

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Fox Valley Marathon and Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 16 | ST. CHARLES, IL Why it’s great: Combining small race atmosphere with big race amenities, this race is ideal for both veterans looking for a fast BQ as well as first timers. Starting and ending in historic downtown St. Charles, the course winds through picturesque Geneva, Batavia and Aurora to a finish across the Fox River that can be seen from over a mile away.

2017 Participants: 636 marathoners; 1,360 half marathoners 14

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Chicago Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 23 | CHICAGO, IL Why it’s great: While many may assume this is the typical race along Lake Michigan, this course is unique in that most of it is run on Lake Shore Drive, which is shut down for six hours. Runners also get to run past many of Chicago’s museums, getting a great tour of the city.

2017 Participants: 8,044

Peoria Marathon & Half Marathon

OCTOBER 7 | PEORIA, IL Why it’s great: This race may take place in a small town, but sure comes with a lot of charm. The course itself is mostly residential, with lots of turns and scenery along the way. The finish line takes place on the Peoria Riverfront.

2017 Participants: 147 marathoners; 672 half marathoners

@ oak ridge cemetery September 15, 2018 | StartS at 6:30 p.m.

Half maratHon, Quarter maratHon and 5K: Run in the moonshadow of Lincoln’s tomb and through 160 years of history.

Runners embark on their adventure at 6:30 p.m. entering the cemetery through the currently open original entrance on 3rd street where President Lincoln’s body passed en-route to his final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Racers must wind their way back to the finish area using the moon, a headlamp, route reflectors and course volunteers.

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BOSTON

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Bank of America Chicago Marathon

OCTOBER 7 – CHICAGO, IL Why it’s great: As Chicago’s largest race, participants and spectators alike receive the full tour of the city, passing through 27 neighborhoods throughout. It’s the weekend thousands wait for all year, and as one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, it’s a must-do for all locals at some point.

2017 Participants: 43,000

Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon

OCTOBER 13 – WEST LAFAYETTE, IN Why it’s great: Join thousands of runners and walkers as you start and finish at Ross-Ade Stadium, the home of Purdue football. The half-marathon course will meander through the cities of West Lafayette, Lafayette and the Purdue University Campus. The race support the Purdue Athlete’s Life Success Program, raising over $60,000 since 2012.

2017 Participants: 1,301

Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon

OCTOBER 21 – NAPERVILLE, IL Why it’s great: Sponsored by Edward-Elmhurst Health, the Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon draws participants to Naperville’s lively downtown, historic sights and beautiful neighborhoods. While the Healthy Driven Edward Foundation is the premier charity, runners can support the several partner charities as well.

2017 Participants: 2,436 BOSTON

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Rails to Trails Marathon and Half Marathon

OCTOBER 7 – NORWALK, WI Why it’s great: This route follows the Elroy-Sparta bike trail and is a consistent limestone surface. There are a few tunnels along the way that are dark and cold, but there are lanterns to light the way. All marathoners and half marathoners are invited to a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, and a chicken meal on Sunday.

2017 Participants: 72 marathoners; 237 half marathoners BOSTON

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Des Plaines River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

OCTOBER 13 – LINCOLNSHIRE, IL Why it’s great: The DPR Trail is a wide, crushed gravel track, free of roots and rocks, and very flat. All major road crossings have bridges or viaducts, and because it is a flat course, and usually Lake County has cooler temperatures at this time of year, it’s also a very fast race.

2017 Participants: 233 marathoners; 341 half marathoners APRIL 2018

OCTOBER 13 – EVANSVILLE, IN Why it’s great: This year marks the Evansville’s 15th year of running, and its offering a commemorative half marathon jacket to all participants for a discounted rate. The course winds through many of Evansville’s favorite areas: the Greenway, Garvin Park, Main Street, Bayard Park, historic neighborhoods, and includes a riverfront finish.

2017 Participants: 1,590 BOSTON

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Detroit Free Press Marathon & International Half Marathon OCTOBER 20 – DETROIT, MI Why it’s great: Both courses offer international appeal, traversing both downtown Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, crossing the border at both the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

There’s also a U.S.-only half marathon event, that starts after all the others.

2017 Participants: 4,334 marathoners; 16,388 half marathoners

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon & Foster Swift Half Marathon

OCTOBER 21 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI Why it’s great: Nearly 20 percent of all 2017 marathoners qualified for Boston due to this course’s flat and fast route through downtown Grand Rapids and Millennium Park. The half marathon course follows the first 8.5 miles of the marathon course, providing the ultimate fall tour of Michigan.

2017 Participants: 1,020 marathoners; 1,718 half marathoners BOSTON

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IMT Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon

OCTOBER 21 – DES MOINES, IA Why it’s great: The Des Moines races make up the perfect fall event; both courses run through residential neighborhoods, on Bill Riley Trail and have a lap on the track of Drake Stadium.

While the first half of the marathon is hilly, the second half gives runners time to recover to pull off a strong finish.

2017 Participants: 1,140 marathoners; 3,877 half marathoners

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Marathon-to-Marathon & Half Marathon

OCTOBER 27 – MARATHON, IA Why it’s great: A fast and flat pont-topoint race that takes place over the long stretches of rural highway in northwestern Iowa, the marathon course starts at Storm Lake High School, and the half starts at the 13.1 mark of the marathon.

2017 Participants: 269 marathoners; 135 half marathoners

Groundhog Marathon and Half Marathon Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon

NOVEMBER 24 – SCHAUMBURG, IL Why it’s great: Taking place in Busse Woods forest preserve, this race is always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. One of the longer-distance Turkey Trots in the area, this All Community Events race puts a festive end to the fall racing season.

2017 Participants: 1,430

FEBRUARY 2019 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI Why it’s great: Like the movie, you’ll feel like you’re repeating the same day over and over – and you will be, on a beautiful, usually snowy course that is approximately 4.4 miles long. Half marathoners run three laps, and full marathoners run six. Runners will receive splits every 1/6th of a marathon, or after every lap.

2018 Participants: 99 marathoners; 311 half marathoners

BOSTON

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CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and Half Marathon

NOVEMBER 4 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN Why it’s great: Now one of the 20 largest marathons in the US, this is the ideal fall marathon for everyone from the first time marathon runner to elite athletes.

Starting and finishing at the Indiana State Capitol, the course is nationally recognized as flat and fast by thousands of Boston Marathon qualifiers.

2017 Participants: 4,677 marathoners; 7,972

F^3 Lake Half Marathon

JANUARY 2019 – CHICAGO, IL Why it’s great: What started as a small group of runners wanting to run a half marathon in the winter turned into Chicago’s best winter long-distance race. Now, runners gather indoors at the United Club before the race to keep warm, then run south along the lakefront starting and finishing at Soldier Field and then head to Kroll’s for a post-race party.

2018 Participants: 1,997

Winter Trail Frosty Half Marathon

FEBRUARY 2019 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN Why it’s great: This half marathon course covers trails on the east side of Eagle Creek Park. Runners will encounter single track, double track, some gravel and a short section of paved multi-use trail during the challenging race, but will be happy to find a Finisher Cake at the finish line.

2018 Participants: 198

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Madison Marathon

NOVEMBER 11 – MADISON, WI Why it’s great: Starting and finishing in Capitol Square, The Madison Marathon and Half Marathon provides great sightseeing of the city. The entire course is run on pavement, and there are a few hills scattered throughout, with one toughie near the University of Wisconsin-Madison to prepare for.

2017 Participants: 1,064 marathoners; 2,335 half marathoners 18

APRIL 2018

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Pettit Indoor Marathon Half and Full

FEBRUARY 2019 – MILWAUKEE, WI Why it’s great: Midwest winters can be brutal, but that shouldn’t stop athletes from running! This race provides an indoor opportunity to get that mileage in.

Both USATF-certified races are completed on a track at the Pettit National Ice Center, and half marathoners complete 47.5 laps, and marathoners run 94.8.

2018 Participants: 75 marathoners; 133 half marathoners

March Madness Half Marathon

MARCH 2019 – CARY, IL Why it’s great: This half marathon course has been dubbed the most challenging in Northern Illinois, which makes it a great training race for spring marathons. Hosted by the Hillstriders Club, the course is hilly, out-and-back course, and with unpredictable weather, “challenging” is an understatement.

2018 Participants: 978

BOSTON

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Carmel Marathon and Half Marathon

MARCH 2019 – CARMEL, IN Why it’s great: This race is Carmel, Indiana’s largest running event of the year, and is the state’s second largest marathon. The city will be under the spotlight during these events, as runners will weave through different scenic and historical parts of it.

2017 Participants: 654 marathoners; 1,585 half marathoners

First Call Half Marathon

MARCH 2019 – WAUKESHA, WI Why it’s great: Get the year started off right with a super fast and flat course. The paved Glacial Drumlin Trail is perfect for an early year PR and then see if you can crush it at the Last Call in December on the same course. First Call partners with MS Run the US, promoting a healthy lifestyle and helping those in need.

2017 Participants: 241

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