Chicago Racing Events | January 2017

Winter has arrived! For many people, the cold, blustery winter weather of the Midwest signals a move to indoor workouts. If you plan to brave the frigid temperatures for regular outdoor workouts or to participate in an event, here are some basic cold-weather training tips to help take you through the winter:

  • Hydrate before, during, and after your workout.

  • Consider the air temperature, wind chill, and related weather alerts before heading outside for a workout. You can search for weather conditions in your area at the National Weather Service's website.

  • Wear layers, a hat, a face mask or scarf, and gloves or mittens, depending on the weather. The Runner's World website has a handy tool that, after you enter a few details, will provide suggestions on what to wear for your workout.

  • Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection and use sunscreen during daytime workouts.

  • Wear bright-colored, reflective clothing when it is dark outside.

  • Watch out for ice.

  • Know the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website discusses cold-related illnesses.

  • Exercise with a workout partner or tell someone where you will be going and when you will return from your workout.


Whether you choose to exercise indoors or outdoors, have a safe and healthy winter!

January 1, 2017


New Year's Day 5K
Location: Lincoln Park, North Stockton Drive and West LaSalle Drive, Chicago
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Central Lakeview Merchants Association

January 7, 2017


Polar Dash
Location: Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago
Start Times: 8:45 a.m. (1700 Meters Heat 1), 9 a.m. (Half Marathon), 9:45 a.m. (10K), 11:15 a.m. (1700 Meters Heat 2), 11:45 a.m. (5K), and 12:30 p.m. (1700 Meters Heat 3)
Event Beneficiary: Team Ortho Foundation

January 28, 2017


F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5K
Location: Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago
Start Times: 10 a.m. (Half Marathon) and 10:30 a.m. (5K)
Event Beneficiary: Garden Center Services

Chicago Polar Bear Club Polar Plunge
Location: Oak Street Beach, 1000 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Start Time: 12 noon
Event Beneficiaries: Kayla O'Toole & Family and Mary Wright & Family

January 29, 2017


Aon Step Up for Kids
Location: Aon Center, 200 East Randolph Street, Chicago
Start Times: 8 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
Event Beneficiary: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago