The Chicago Half Marathon 2025: All the Action from the West Side's Big Race Day

Stepping out for a big race like the Bank of America 13.1 Half Marathon in Chicago is a whole experience. Every runner knows that mix of nerves and excitement as you line up. The 2025 event, held recently in Garfield Park, did not disappoint. It brought thousands of determined people out to tackle the 13.1 miles, weaving through some of Chicago's historic West Side areas. You really get a feel for the city's spirit when you are out there.

The course starts and finishes right in Garfield Park. From there, runners make their way down Independence and Douglass boulevards, pushing through Douglass Park. Then it's back along those same boulevards, through Garfield Park again, and along Franklin and Sacramento boulevards to Humboldt Park. Finally, everyone heads back to Garfield Park to cross that finish line. It is a route that gives you a good look at the neighborhoods. It offers a different side of Chicago than some of the more central races. I always find it fascinating how a city course can tell a story as you run.

This year marked the fourth time the Chicago 13.1 has been held. It is a relatively new event, but it is quickly becoming a favorite for many runners. Carey Pinkowski, who is the Executive Race Director for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the Shamrock Shuffle, and this half marathon, spoke about what makes the event special. He said they are "proud to celebrate four years of racing through Chicago's West Side." He also pointed to the "energy of the neighborhoods, the commitment of our partners, and the support of our local running communities" as making the race truly unique. You can feel that community spirit out there.

Standout Performances and Inspiring Victories from This Year's Chicago Half Marathon

Celebrating the Top Finishers and Personal Best Achievements on the West Side Course

There were some incredible athletic feats this year. Zouhair Talbi took home the win for the men’s division and was the overall race champion. He finished with an impressive time of 1:01:08. For the women’s division, Meseret Belete Tola crossed the finish line first with a time of 1:09:36. Both of these runners managed to beat last year’s winning times. Peter Njeru won last year at 1:01:46, and Joyline Chemutai finished at 1:11:45. It just shows how competitive these races can be. Athletes are always pushing to improve.

In the men’s wheelchair division, Daniel Romanchuk continued his winning streak. He has not been beaten in this half marathon yet! He finished with a time of 43:43, which is even faster than his time last year by one second. That 43:44 time is now held by the runner-up, Aaron Pike. It is amazing to see such consistent dedication and strength. Ricky Gupta was the victor in the non-binary division. He finished at 1:28:22, easily beating last year's time of 1:32:36, which was held by Caleb-Michael Files. These victories really highlight the diversity of talent present in the race.

Beyond the official winners, thousands of other runners hit the pavement. Many of them were chasing their own personal bests or finishing their first half marathon. There were some really inspiring stories too. The Chicago Spring Half Marathon, which is a different event but also recently took place, saw an 18-year-old cancer survivor, Jared Appel, complete his 10K. He had not run a 5K before. After going through chemotherapy, he wanted to get his life back on track. He only took a few short walk breaks and finished the course. It makes you think about how running can be a way to overcome so many challenges.

Another inspiring story came from Becky Allen, a 44-year-old who had never run a half marathon before. She had lost a lot of weight over four years through exercise and surgery. She had enjoyed running in the past but never stuck with it. Now she is running races and even outpaces her brother-in-law, who used to be her running partner. These personal stories show that the finish line is not just about time. It is about what you can achieve and what you can prove to yourself. That is the kind of stuff that truly makes these events special for me.

What Runners Needed To Know About The Chicago 13.1 Course And Timing

Important Details About The Race Route And How To Stay On Track For An Official Finish

For those running, knowing the course details is a big part of the game. The race kicks off at 7:00 a.m. for the open division, with the wheelchair division starting slightly earlier at 6:50 a.m. Keeping track of time is important here. The course has a strict time limit of three hours and 15 minutes. This means you need to maintain at least a 15-minute mile pace to officially complete the race. If you finish outside of that time limit, your run will not be recorded as official. You might also lose full support from aid stations and traffic safety staff along the course. It is a good reminder to keep those legs moving!

The race organizers also provided information about road closures. These are important for both runners and people just trying to get around the city. For example, Humboldt Drive between Augusta Boulevard and North Avenue closed. Franklin Boulevard was closed between Central Park Avenue and Sacramento Boulevard. Independence Boulevard was closed between Jackson and Douglas. Some closures started earlier in the week, like Music Center Circle and Woodward Drive. Parts of Madison and Jackson also closed the day before the race. It is all part of making sure the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone.

For those who could not make it to the race in person, there were options to watch from home. A live feed of the Chicago 13.1 was available online, starting with the wheelchair division at 6:50 a.m. and showing the finish line once the first racers started coming in. The finish line camera kept rolling until 11 a.m. This is great for family and friends who want to cheer on their loved ones, even from afar. It helps capture some of that race day excitement.

The Broader Impact Of The Chicago 13.1 And Why It Matters To The Community

Looking At How The Half Marathon Contributes To Chicago's West Side And Its Running Culture

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is not just about the race itself. It is about bringing people together and shining a light on Chicago’s West Side. The course deliberately runs through historical parks and boulevards. This helps showcase parts of the city that might not always get the spotlight. It is a way to celebrate the neighborhoods and their unique energy. As Carey Pinkowski said, the event continues to "grow in both scale and impact." This suggests it is becoming a more important part of the city’s running calendar and community life.

Running events like this often have a lasting impact. They can inspire people to get active, set personal goals, and connect with others who share a passion for running. They also bring visitors and attention to the areas they pass through. This can be good for local businesses and help foster a sense of pride in the community. You see signs from friends and family along the course, cheering on their loved ones. Some signs are funny, like "Run like Joe Jonas is at the finish line." Others are more encouraging, like "One step at a time you’ve got this." These small details add to the overall positive atmosphere.

The event also brings together various groups, from elite athletes to everyday runners, and includes divisions for wheelchair athletes and non-binary participants. This kind of inclusivity is important. It helps make running a sport that welcomes everyone, no matter their background or ability. The Chicago Half Marathon has truly made a mark in just a few years. It continues to be a vibrant part of the city's running scene. I think it will only keep getting bigger and better as time goes on. It's truly a race that feels like it has heart.