Course Details
Race along the shores of Lake Michigan with a swim that takes place in Lake Michigan at Chicago’s Foster Beach, including a shallow water start, parallel to the beach. The bike and run take place on closed park roadways and running paths all along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.
Our course is wheelchair friendly, and we gladly welcome para-athletes to participate.
Juniors Course
100m swim | 2.2 mile bike | .62 mile run
Seniors Course
200m swim | 4.4 mile bike | 1.24 mile run
*Please note: Course details are tentative and subject to change. These details will be confirmed as we get closer to race weekend.
Athletes cross a timing mat on the beach before beginning their swim from the north end of Foster Beach. All swimmers proceed clockwise along the water, completing a rectangular swim course before exiting at the south end of the beach (along the ADA ramp). Each course will be marked with separate buoys. The Swim Start and Swim Exit will be clearly marked on the beach with hard barricades and large inflatables.
T1
The transition area is located in the Foster Beach Parking Lot and will be secured with 6 foot fence to protect the athlete traffic as well as the athlete’s belongings before and during the race.
Both SuperSprint and Kids’ Tri events feature a 100% traffic-free Bike Course. Athletes begin by exiting Transition at the south entrance and proceeding south. All cyclists ride contraflow (against the flow of traffic) on Simonds Drive until reaching the turnaround at Montrose Harbor Drive and returning to the Transition area. Junior Kids will complete (1) loop and Senior Kids (2) loops before completing the Bike Course. There are no Aid Stations on the Bike Course.
NOTE! Unlike other events, this event requires all bikers to STAY TO THE LEFT. If passing, check behind for approaching bikers then move to the right. Maintain four bike lengths behind the cyclist in front of you or pass within 20 seconds.
T2
There is only one transition area for this race. See T1 description.
The Run Course is located entirely on the public pedestrian path between Foster Beach and Montrose Beach. Runners will exit Transition at the east corner, heading south contraflow (keeping to the left) until their respective turnaround point and proceed north back to the Finish Line. Senior participants will turn around just past the dog park while Junior participants will turn around at Aid Station C. Turn arounds will be marked with signage and course marshals.
Limited race day parking is available at both the Wilson and Montrose parking pay lots, both easily accessible from Lake Shore Drive. Limited free as well as metered street parking is available along Lawrence and Wilson Avenues.