Chicago Run Collective Pick The City's Best Running Routes
Chicago Run Collective Pick The City's Best Running Routes
Chicago sits on one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Michigan, with smaller waterways, canals, and rivers running through the city, shaping its skyline and layout. As the third-largest city in the U.S., its natural features give Chicago a unique, airy, expansive feel, free from the suffocation typical of dense urban centres.
"Chicago is a great city to run in because of the variety of routes and scenery it offers. You can take the Lakefront Trail for endless miles along the water, run along the Riverwalk, explore different neighbourhoods, weave through the dense cityscapes downtown or loop through one of the many parks," says Maya Carducci, who initially co-founded the club, and now runs it solo. "The running community itself is also a huge part of it, there are many run clubs meeting throughout the week, making it easy to find your pace, your people, and new corners of the city to explore."
A grassroots club, CRC was established to explore the city while building community, achieve personal clarity and grow collectively. The club brings together hundreds of runners across different routes - from speed track circuits, leisurely park laps to long-distance routes.
Maya talks us through the best routes in the city.
In this Guide
Lakefront Trail
540 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
“Stretching nearly 19 miles along Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Trail is the heart of running in Chicago. Paved and well-marked, it connects many of the city’s neighbourhoods, weaving past beaches, harbours, and skyline viewpoints. At any time of day, the views of the city and lake never disappoint. With water stations, restrooms, and plenty of scenic rest spots along the way, it’s a must for runners, bikers, and walkers alike, you simply can’t go wrong here, enter and exit as you please.”
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Belmont Harbor
“This area blends park paths, light gravel, and the Lakeshore Trail with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Heading north, you’ll pass the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course and a serene garden section before looping back along the paved lakefront path. The return takes you past tennis courts and back through the park and on the gravel path. Post-run, you can chill at the concrete steps overlooking the lake, and there are a few entry points for a refreshing dip. A balanced mix of scenery and terrain makes it a favourite starting and ending route.”
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Lincoln Park
“Chicago’s largest park stretches for seven miles, with many paved pathways winding through it's green spaces. A run here can take you past Lincoln Park Zoo, past the Conservatory and gardens, and along spots where the city skyline peeks out in the distance. Gentle rolling hills keep things interesting without being overwhelming, giving each run a nice rhythm. With so many routes to choose from, Lincoln Park always feels alive and different. Added bonus, Farmer's markets operate on Wednesday and Saturdays mornings for a post run snack!”
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Chicago Tracks – Montrose Beach Track & NTA Track
“A few popular tracks for speed work and run workouts are scattered across the city. Montrose Beach Track sits just steps from the lakefront, surrounded by greenery and with skyline views in the distance. It’s always buzzing with energy and draws plenty of runners. Further south, Dunbar Park Track offers a great vibe as well, making it an ideal spot for intervals or adding strength work into your session. Both tracks are reliable places to push the pace and mix up your training. Downtown, surrounded by the city, Lakeshore Park Track is a hidden gem right off Michigan Avenue. Perfect if you want a quick session in the heart of it all. Together, these three tracks give runners reliable spots to push the pace and break up their usual routes.”
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Humbolt Park
“This West Side gem is full of character, with a small pond and lagoon throughout the center and weaving pathways that keep every run interesting. On the west end, a mid-size hill rewards you with a sweeping skyline view, especially magical at sunrise as the sun peeks above the buildings. The park’s rolling paths make for a dynamic route, and if you head east down North Avenue, you can return to Wicker Park for a post-run treat at one of the many local cafés. It’s a spot that blends neighborhood charm with some of the city’s best views.”
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The 606 Trail
“A great option if you want to head west of the lake. The 606 is an elevated, paved pathway which was a former railway, now lined with greenery and views of Chicago’s low-rise neighbourhoods. It’s especially peaceful in the mornings before more folks, bikers and strollers arrive, and golden hour brings a soft glow over the treetops and brick buildings. End your run nearby in Wicker Park or Bucktown, where you’ll have amazing choices of local coffee shops and cafés for a well-earned post-run snack.”
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Chicago Riverwalk
“This path is perfect if you want to be fully immersed in the city. The wide walkway hugs the south bank of the Chicago River, offering incredible views of downtown’s architecture as you run. Sunrise or golden hour are amazing times to run here, the light bouncing off the buildings is stunning, and the path is quieter before the daytime crowds arrive. Heading east, you’ll find a water station at the end of the path, where it connects seamlessly to the Lakeshore Trail if you’re in the mood to extend your miles. It’s a vibrant, urban route that makes you feel at the centre of it all.”
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