Global Running Boom Takes Center Stage at Sold-Out Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K
Participants from all 50 states and 52 countries hit the pavement on Chicago’s Southside for 29th annual event
By the Numbers
- Nearly 10,000 participants
- 50 states represented
- 52 countries represented
- Nearly 45% running their first-ever half marathon or 5K
- 1,000+ participants running alongside a family member
- Ages 2 to 88 represented across the event
- 29th annual event
CHICAGO, Sept. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly 10,000 runners from across the country and around the world took to Chicago’s South Side Sunday for the sold-out Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K, with nearly half of participants competing in their first-ever half marathon or 5K — offering a snapshot of how the sport continues to welcome new runners while bringing families and generations together.
Owned and produced by Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the 29th annual event drew participants from all 50 states and 52 countries across the half marathon, 5K and kids run. Nearly 45% of participants were running their first-ever half marathon or 5K, while more than 1,000 ran alongside a family member. The field also spanned generations, from 2-year-olds participating in the kids race to an 88-year-old runner, highlighting the range of ways people are making running and movement part of their lives.
For many participants, the race represented more than a finish line. First-time racers lined up alongside longtime runners, families turned the event into a shared experience, and participants traveled from across the U.S. and around the world to make Chicago part of their running journey.
“Running continues to evolve as a sport that people can enter at any age and make their own,” said Allison Humbert Wilkinson, Associate Marketing Director at Life Time. “Nearly half of this year’s participants were taking on their first-ever half marathon or 5K, while more than 1,000 ran alongside family members. That speaks to the power of a race to be more than a finish line — it can be a starting point for a healthier lifestyle, a shared family tradition and a journey that extends well beyond race day. Through training, nutrition, recovery, fitness and community, Life Time is proud to support people wherever they are in that journey.”
The race’s signature Chicago course offered runners exclusive access to Lake Shore Drive and sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, while winding through historic South Side neighborhoods including Kenwood and Hyde Park. Starting and finishing in Jackson Park, the course brought runners through a distinctly Chicago backdrop, while the pre-race party and expo at Navy Pier rounded out a weekend experience for participants traveling from near and far.
Full race results are available here.
Life Time’s role in the running community extends well beyond race day. Across Chicagoland, the company operates 16 luxury athletic country clubs where members can train, recover and build healthy habits year-round. A new Life Time destination is set to open in Naperville in early 2027.
The Chicago Half Marathon & 5K is the second of two events that make up the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon Series. Runners who completed both events this year earned a third medal to recognize their achievement.
The event is also part of Life Time’s portfolio of nearly 30 owned and produced athletic events across the country, including the Miami Marathon, Phoenix Half Marathon & 10K and Leadville Race Series. Together, the events offer opportunities to pursue goals ranging from a first 5K to some of the world’s most challenging endurance events.
For more information about Life Time’s full portfolio of Athletic Events download the Life Time app or visit www.lifetime.life/athletic-events.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its more than 195 athletic country clubs across the U.S. and Canada, the complimentary and comprehensive Life Time app featuring its L•AI•C™ AI-powered health companion, and more than 30 iconic athletic events. Serving people ages 90 days to 90+ years, the Life Time ecosystem uniquely delivers healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment experiences, a range of unique healthy way of life programs, highly trusted LTH nutritional supplements and more. Recognized as a Great Place to Work®, the company is committed to upholding an exceptional culture for its nearly 50,000 team members.
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SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
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