The Best Running Routes in Chicago

The Lakefront Trail

There are many reasons to run on the Lakefront Trail: the great views of the lake and city, the calm and peaceful atmosphere, the fresh air, and the motivation brought about by sharing the trail with many other runners and cyclists. Stretching for over 18 miles (28.9 kilometers) from Edgewater to South Shore, mile markers make it perfect for tracking both short and long distance runs, and it’s so long that you can mix up which sections you use each time.

The Lakefront Trail, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 742 7529

The Lakefront Trail | © rlobes / Pixabay

North Shore Channel Trail

The North Shore Channel Trail is quieter than many of these routes due to its location further out of the city, and there are many other reasons to try it. Starting in Ravenswood and running all the way to Evanston, 6.7 miles (10.8 kilometers) in total, woodland-surrounded sections of the path provide shelter from both the sun and the wind, and there are plenty of water fountains in parks along the way.

North Shore Channel Trail, Chicago, IL, USA

Designed more with relaxing tourists in mind, the Riverwalk nevertheless can be an amazing place to run, surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings and the flowing Chicago River. There may be pedestrian traffic at times, but it’s almost always better than the crowds, traffic and red lights on the busy streets above.