CHICAGO – The Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K brings over 10,000 participants to the city on Sunday, May 21.  The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has been working with city departments, agencies and race organizers to plan and ensure a safe and least impactful event, coordinating course route, security measures and traffic considerations.   

As with any major event in Chicago, the city’s Operations Center will monitor activities and weather conditions.  Traffic Control Aides (TCA’s) will be present to facilitate traffic. 

Lifetime Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K 

The race starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 21 and finishes on Columbus Drive alongside Maggie Daley Park at 337 E. Randolph, where runners will gather at the Spring Market Finish Festival.  This is an annual event in Chicago and the venue and course for the Half Marathon and 10K remains the same as in the past.   

The Half Marathon Race starts at 7 a.m. and the 10K Race starts at 7:45 a.m. For more event information, https://www.chicagospringhalf.com/ 

Street Closures: (All closures on Sunday, May 21, 2023) 

• Monroe:  DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Columbus Drive - All lanes, 3:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. 
• Columbus: Lower Randolph to Monroe - Northbound lanes, 3:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 
• Columbus: Lower Randolph to Monroe - Southbound lanes, 3:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
• Columbus: Monroe to Jackson - All lanes, 3:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. 
• Columbus:  Jackson to Roosevelt - All lanes, 6:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. 
• Lower Randolph:  Lakefront Path to Columbus - Eastbound lanes, 6:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
• Randolph Exit (northbound lanes): DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Randolph – Northbound exit lane, 6:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Pole Markers:  As a reminder, location identifiers signage or “pole markers” are posted along the Lakefront, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and Grant Park. “Pole Markers” serve as visual aids for the purposes of location identification by an individual and/or a first responder. Whether lost, Injured, or witness criminal or suspicious activity, anyone can look up and call 9-1-1 and give the letter-number combinations on the pole nearest to your location to help first responders locate you as quickly as possible. You can also use the identifiers to let friends and family know where you are if you become separated while you’re enjoying one of Chicago’s events. 

Report Suspicious Activity:  If You See Something Say Something. OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.  

OEMC APP: For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current events and forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores. To immediately download, click HERE or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.   

OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.  Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or COVID-19 updates: 

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5 
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).