The 2026 Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon brought crowds of runners and spectators to Chicago’s West Side as the race winded through Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and Douglass Park on Sunday.
Ahead of the race, organizers hosted the West Side Wellness Fest in Garfield Park on Saturday featuring free community programming including youth races, a 1.31-mile walk and a shakeout run led by Peace Runners 773. The event served as a celebration of West Side neighborhoods, promoting wellness, inclusion, and community engagement while building excitement for race day.
Peace Runners is a West Side based running group that was founded on the belief that exercise can support both mental well-being and community safety using group runs and workouts to create positive public spaces where residents feel supported, connected and safe.
Ricky Williams attended the Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon to cheer on his daughter as she completed her first half marathon. Holding a sign that read “Bling Bling, She’s a Running Queen,” Williams shared how his daughter overcame early struggles with running to take on the 13.1-mile race.
“She joined the Peace Runners about eight months ago and she’s been running every week with them,” Williams said.
Williams believes having the race run through the West Side helps challenge negative perceptions of the neighborhoods by bringing visitors into the community and showcasing attractions that many people, even Chicago residents, may not know about.
“I’m a retired police officer, so I used to work on the West Side all the time. I think this half-marathon, the way it’s organized and the route they’ve chosen, is actually better in some ways. I’m not trying to put down the Bank of America Marathon Chicago Marathon, but even though that race goes along the lakefront, it’s harder for spectators to get down there,” Williams said.
Similarly, David Ruiz. the founder of the Tortugas Run Club appreciated how the race 13.1 took place on the West Side.
“This race is nice because most other races are in the middle of downtown, but this one brings you to a part of the city that people don’t usually visit. You’ve got to live here to be here. In the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, you’ve got a lot of out-of-towners, but with this race, you’re running through West Side neighborhoods and seeing a part of the city that many people don’t get to experience,” Ruiz said.
Tortugas Run Club, based in the Pilsen neighborhood, was among the Chicago running groups that participated in the community shakeout run hosted by Peace Runners 773 the day before the Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon on the West Side.
When it comes to running, Ruiz said the growth of running clubs across Chicago since the pandemic has made the sport more accessible, with groups now established in neighborhoods throughout the city. He noted that because there are clubs meeting on different days and at different times, it is easier than ever for people to find a running community that fits their schedule and interests.
“These races are always inspiring. If you’re there cheering and watching. While you’re running, it might not feel that way. But watching it is one of the most inspirational things you could do,” Ruiz said.
Gracie Ascencio, a former Chicago resident who now lives in the western suburbs, traveled to Garfield Park to cheer on her partner, Roldan, as well as several friends participating in the race.
“Garfield Park is very beautiful. We’re by the pond, surrounded by trees, greenery, shade and a breeze. There’s a lot of good energy with the music and the drums,” Ascencio said.
A key takeaway for Ascencio is the strong sense of community created by neighbors cheering on friends and partners.
“We’re here to support our friends, be together, make signs, use cowbells, and cheer on strangers. In a world that’s increasingly isolated and individual, these races help create a sense of community that isn’t easily found elsewhere,” Ascencio said.