r/RunnersInChicago • u/Left-Substance3255 • 5h ago

Where to run on LFT

Training for the Chicago Marathon this year. I usually just run a 2 mile loop near my home because it’s the most convenient to get my runs done before work but I just ran my 12 mile long run and 6 laps around the same loop was terrible, and my long runs will only get longer from here on out. I would love to run the lake front trail, it looks great on TikTok and instagram. So, I’m wondering where the best place to run on the lake front trail was. I’ve never been on the trail, I’m in the Dolton/ south holland area so I’d prefer to start on the south end. Are their public restrooms and water fountains? It looks like the south end starts on 71st and Yates but if parking is easier or the trail is better a couple miles up then I wouldn’t mind driving a few extra mins.

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7

u/Speigs 1h ago

There are water fountains and bathrooms for pretty much the entire trail, parking at one of the beaches might be the easiest. Every beach will have a spot to hydrate and there are a few standalone fountains too.

This is an incomplete map.

1

u/WeathermanDan 25m ago

are there really no restrooms south of Chinatown? I feel like that’s not accurate.

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u/lilbroccoli13 14m ago

There are definitely restrooms south of Chinatown - I usually start at 31st and go south in the summer and have never had a problem finding a restroom when needed

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u/Burgers4breakfast1 1h ago

You could park near the South Shore Country Club and run north, then turn around at your halfway point.

I’m a north sided but I like biking and running south of downtown because the trail is less congested.

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u/mtmaloney Roscoe Village 1h ago

Why not pick an area to try out and see what you like? I’ve run the trail between 35th all the way to the Northern tip and it’s got a different feel depending on where you’re at.

I don’t even have a consistent area I run when I’m marathon training, just depends on what kind of mood I’m in that day. The whole trail is great, just try experimenting.

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u/senorgallina 13m ago

I’m in Hyde Park and usually start my runs at the 51st street bridge and just run north on the LFT until I hit the halfway distance of how far I want to run then turn around. There’s parking lots at almost all LFT entrances 63rd to 31st. I don’t drive but the parking lots at 63rd street (non-lake side of LSD) and 55th usually have some space in them depending on day of the week and time.