“The downtown course and timing of the event have made the Chicago race one of the most anticipated Rock ‘n’ Roll events across the series,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, General Manager of the event. “The local community has always welcomed the half-marathon with open arms and we are excited become a part of the tradition of the Distance Classic and show Chicago how fun a Rock ‘n’ Roll event can be.”
Goucher will use the race is a tuneup for the Marathon World Championships Aug. 23 in Berlin. The U.S. Olympian is also throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before Saturday’s nationally televised White Sox-Yankee game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.
The race will begin at 6:30 am on Sunday morning on Columbus Drive, just north of Congress. Both the start and finish line parties will take place in Grant Park, centrally located adjacent to the city’s downtown core. The course will run north on Columbus, through Millennium Park and over the Chicago River before venturing through the streets of downtown Chicago. The course then heads south on Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive, running east on 18th Street through McCormick place. Just after mile 8.5, the course turns north up the lake front path, running along the waterfront banks of Lake Michigan, highlighted by Solider Felid, the Memorial and Burnham Harbor, with the finish line located in Grant Park.
The event concludes with a post race party and concert, which will take place on an outdoor stage in Grant Park, featuring acclaimed blues artist Susan Tedeschi. The concert is free and open to the public.
Race weekend kicks off Friday, July 31 with a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo at McCormick Place Hall C, which is open to the public. The Expo, where all participants pick up their bib number, t-shirt and race packet, will feature over 100 exhibitors with samples, the latest in running gear and sports apparel and a full schedule of interactive clinics.From professional runners to part-time joggers, over 3,000 participants will raise over $3 million for the event’s 35 official charities. Give Your Sole will also be collecting moderately worn athletic shoes throughout race weekend. All the shoes donated to Give Your Sole at this event will be distributed locally through the MorningStar Rescue Mission in Joliet. Runners can donate a pair of shoes right off their feet after the race and receive a free pair of flip flops for the donation. For more information, visit www.giveyoursole.com.
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