Half Day at the Lake

SEP
26
2026
Timed 12 hour and 6 hour races on a 2 mile lakeside loop in Evanston with aid stations, public fountains, and handcrafted finisher awards.
Sat 26 Sep 2026
12 Hour Race 6 Hour Race

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Half Day at the Lake

Half Day at the Lake is a timed running event in Evanston, IL offering two time-based race options:

  • 12 hour race
  • 6 hour race

The course is a 2 mile loop along a shared paved path and sections of crushed gravel on the Evanston lakefront and along the Northwestern University campus. The path is shared with walkers and bicyclists; runners may use grass beside the path where available. The route is approved by the city of Evanston and Northwestern University and includes multiple public water fountains and restrooms.

There are two aid stations: a main aid station at the start/finish with snacks, beverages, and hot soup or noodles, and a smaller aid station near the north end of the loop offering snacks. Finishers receive a can of Hop2o Hop Water provided by Sketchbook Brewery and a handcrafted finisher award. There are no individual finisher awards.

Pacers are permitted; runners should notify organizers at check in if using a pacer. If a pacer will run most of a participant’s effort, the pacer must be registered for a small fee of $20.

Packet pickup is available Friday 9/25 at Commonwealth Running Company, 1631 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL, and on race day at Centennial Park, 1821 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL. Early bird pricing runs through July 31 with reduced entry fees; registration closes September 24 at 11:59 PM CT. Sponsors include Commonwealth Running Company and Sketchbook Brewery. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

12 Hour Race
6 Hour Race

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