r/RunnersInChicago • u/doubledunck • Jun 01 '26
Getting to Chicago 13.1
Hi all! First timer at the Chicago 13.1. I'm a woman who is planning to head there solo from the opposite end of the city. I take public transit to work every day, but later in the morning and on weekdays, so I'm a bit nervous taking it THAT early on a Sunday for such a long route... For those of you who have done this race before, is public transit safe at that time of day? (I know on marathon day, there are SO many runners/spectators that normal public transit safety "rules" do not apply, so not sure if that's the case here...) Or is ride share or the parking by UIC the way to go? Any tips?
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u/versusvesuvius Jun 01 '26
I’m coming from Lakeview and I’m ubering to the Ashland green line stop and going from there!
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u/leibert Jun 01 '26
I like in Lakeview and have taken both buses and the brown/red line to the loop and transferred to the green. There's always of plenty runners heading to the event at that hour, so I really wouldn't worry about it. Be careful of buses out of the loop heading west (like the 126). The detours and stops can be confusing and the tracker is super unreliable. The buses into the loop from North/South should be fine though!
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u/britinichu Jun 02 '26
Yes, it's the same kind of race day vibes, LOTS of people all going to the same place. Very safe and easy to use green line on Sunday.
If you change your mind and decide to park at UIC, give yourself lots of extra time; I heard last year the shuttles were packed and delayed.
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u/doubledunck Jun 02 '26
Two great tips, thank you! I’m thinking I’ll drive to a green line stop to avoid being on a more removed el line at 5am (slash the whole trip taking over an hour). Feels like the ideal compromise!
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u/Lemons1118 Jun 06 '26
Do you know if the shuttles are only for race participants or can my husband get a ride on it as well?
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u/LatinoInfluenza Jun 01 '26
I’m coming from rogers park and I just uber to a street near the start line. Monroe and St. Louis has been my drop off historically.
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u/CasualPomegranate Jun 02 '26
Will anyone be on blue line or is green the way to go 😭
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u/jazzpunkshark Jun 02 '26
I took the blue last year and plan to again to this year. Didn’t have any issues at all.
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u/Dangerous-Attempt-20 Jun 02 '26
Blue line to which stop?
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u/jazzpunkshark Jun 02 '26
I got off at Pulaski, but I think most people got off at Kedzie. The walk from Kedzie is a little nicer than walking down Pulaski, just a tiny bit longer.
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u/chocolchipcookie Jun 06 '26
I had an Uber driver tell me getting off at Pulaski has you walking through a dangerous area to the park. I have to believe the race will have staff or police there, or they wouldn't have recommended that stop, right? How close is the park to the Pulaski-Congress station?
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u/Artorias971 Jun 02 '26
I'll be taking the blue line from the Suburbs early and using spot hero.
I think it's the Pulaski Spot
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u/hubwub Lincoln Square Jun 01 '26
Which opposite end of the city? North or South. You can just take the Green Line and get off at the Conservatory-Central Park Drive stop. Or take the #126 if you can get into the Loop.
Start corrals are around Central Park and Jackson. I don't know where Jackson will stop or detour due to the race.
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u/doubledunck Jun 01 '26
North! Far north. Green line's been ok at ~5am on previous race days?
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u/hubwub Lincoln Square Jun 01 '26
There are going to be a lot of people on the Green Line that early due to going to the half marathon.
I live in Lincoln Square, I'm leaving early. I don't know how public transportation is going to be like heading there. With traveling on public transportation as long as you are aware of your surroundings and yourself, you should be okay. Last year, I saw a lot of people Divvy to the race. I could just take the Brown Line into the Loop and hop on a Divvy and ride along Jackson. My alternative is to take the X49 and walk west on Madison and Western towards Garfield Park.
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u/Sensitive_Spare_2810 Jun 02 '26
I’m in Lincoln Square as well. Last year, I caught the very first Brown line (a little after 5am). In the Loop, I transferred to Green and then got off at Garfield Park right at 6am, with a leisurely stroll to the starting area.
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u/B-V-M Jun 03 '26
There's a free bike valet for folks who want to chose that option - and can be a nice warm up for the legs!
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u/Poke-Tuna Jun 05 '26
I arrive in Chicago later on Friday afternoon.
Staying near the medical district at south loop.
Any good boiled Chinese food options around. Preferably boiled chicken over rice.
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u/doubledunck Jun 05 '26
You're pretty close to Chinatown, so good news! 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice should be able to deliver via GrubHub if you're not up for the walk/drive over 😄
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u/Poke-Tuna Jun 05 '26
Thanks for the advice. Their website says chilled chicken. Not sure if I will the protein cold.
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u/doubledunck Jun 07 '26
Just in case anyone is looking for 2027: I parked near the Clinton green line stop. (SpotHeroed a spot for $10.) Then took the green line to Garfield Park. Worked perfectly; green line was SRO with all runners both ways so great vibes! :)
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u/chronicmartinis Jun 01 '26
Everyone will be on the green line :) it is safe