Chicago Triathlon Course
We are currently reviewing our course layout. Please stay tuned for updates for 2010.
THE SWIM ( view map ):
International Distance-1.5K • Sprint Distance-.75K
The swim is in Monroe Street Harbor. The start line for all races is 925 Yards south of the Chicago Yacht Club. The swim finish line for all races is 100 yards south of the Chicago Yacht Club. The sprint event swimmers head directly north parallel with the lake wall and exit 100 yards before the Yacht Club. The International distance swimmers begin by swimming south for the first 380 yards and then turn back north for the remainder of the leg. The pro competitors use the international course.
TRANSITION 1:
After exiting the water the swimmers run north along the lakeside path for approximately 450 yards. The transition is located on the grass reserve south of Randolph Street and East of Lake Shore Drive. Entry to the transition after the swim is on the south end. The bike exit point is on the north end adjacent to Randolph Street.
THE BIKE ( view map ):
International Distance-40K • Sprint Distance-22K
The bike leg begins by traveling to the left of the middle of the cul-de-sac. Using the on ramp to northbound upper Lake Shore Drive the course heads north using the inner two lanes. The riders continue on Lake Shore Drive until the turnaround near Foster and then return on the inner two lanes (heading south). At Chicago Avenue, the sprint distance competitors continue south straight through to the bike finish while the international distance competitors U-turn to complete another lap of the section to Foster. The bike finish is executed by U-turning onto the southbound Randolph entrance ramp to Randolph and turning right onto Randolph.
Transition 2:
The entry to the transition again is adjacent to Randolph on the right hand side of the bike exit. The flow for this transition is north to south with the run exit being slightly west of the swim entry.
THE RUN ( view map ):
Sprint 5K and 10K International/Pro
Begin at the grass reserve just south of Randolph. All amateur competitors (sprint and International) run south on the middle (asphalt) sidewalk/path. At Buckingham Fountain they continue on the grass until they rejoin the asphalt path. They then continue on this path until they reach the Museum campus where they connect with the lake front path and continue running south.
Follow directions below for continuation of the Sprint 5K and International/Pro 10K run courses.
Sprint 5K Run Continued: When the runners reach the intersection they will merge onto the lakeshore path heading south, crossing Waldron Dr. They will then turn around and head north, on the lake front path and keep to the left of the oncoming runners on the same path. After passing the Shedd Aquarium, the runners will continue west and run under the Lake Shore Drive underpass and continue up the sidewalk to Columbus. The runners will then make a right and continue north on Columbus to the finish line just ahead.
International/Pro 10K Run Continued: When the runners reach the intersection they merge onto the lakeshore path heading south, continuing on the path past McCormick Place. The turnaround for these runners will be approximately a half-mile south of McCormick Place. The runners will then return, keeping to the left of the oncoming runners along the same path. After passing the Shedd Aquarium, the runners will continue west and run under the Lake Shore Drive underpass and continue up the sidewalk to Columbus. The runners will then make a right and continue north on Columbus to the finish line just ahead.
SPECIAL NOTE: If for any reason you are unable to complete the event, you must either: a) Turn in your chip at transition when you collect your gear, or b) at the timing tent located at the finish line. It is mandatory that you turn in your chip so we will have a record that you are safe and off the course. If you own your chip, it is important that you report in so we will know that you are safe.
