Chicago City Wire

The LifeTime Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K is set to return this weekend, with approximately 8,000 athletes participating and a slightly altered course. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has advised participants, residents, spectators, and those along the route to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1, as is standard protocol for public gatherings.

Motorists and pedestrians in the area are being alerted about potential traffic impacts and increased crowds due to the event. The city's Operation Center will be monitoring the event accordingly. The half marathon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. This year, the start line is near Jackson while the finish line has been moved from Columbus to Monroe.

Street closures are primarily expected on race day, Sunday, May 19, early in the morning with all closures anticipated to reopen by 6 p.m. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be present to direct flow and manage traffic impacts. Public transportation is encouraged for attendees and more information on CTA services and reroutes can be found at transitchicago.com or by calling 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA.

Residents should anticipate delays at bridges from Ashland to DuSable Lake Shore Drive beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 due to scheduled boat runs for boating season.

For public safety along the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded of the numbers attached to light poles throughout Grant Park area and along the lakefront which serve as location identifiers. These green signs with white letters and numbers help residents reference their location within the park when contacting friends, family or first responders in case of an emergency.

The OEMC will collaborate with public safety partners in monitoring events and issue alerts as necessary to keep residents and attendees updated on weather conditions and emergencies. The public is reminded to report any suspicious activity they observe.

The Chicago OEMC App, available through the Apple App and Google Play stores, provides public safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, parade day weather information and more.

Chicagoans are advised to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, local media or the Chicago OEMC App can be consulted. Residents can also sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org.

For additional information on emergency preparedness, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications can also be followed on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).