Proud to Run's top #GlobalRunningDay trails in Chicago

From Corbin Woodling, Race Director of Proud to Run 2018:

The 606 Trail, or as it’s officially called the Bloomingdale Line, is a wonderful alternative to the usually crowded lakefront trail. It is one of my favorite gems in Chicago for running. Our running club has had several popular excursions there for runs and walks. It’s the perfect length if you want to do about a 5 1/2 mile round-trip route and is conveniently located on the northwest side of Chicago. In 2015, the city converted it from an east-west elevated Railroad track, and they have recently added water fountains and improved the greenery on the course. The interesting architecture of the surrounding neighborhood buildings and change of pace keep this course high on my list.

From Lindsey Carden, Director of Special Events for Proud to Run and Female Vice-President of Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago:

The Lincoln Park Zoo provides a wonderful atmosphere for running. With the Zoo being free, it is a nice change of pace from the lakefront path and you can meander through the exhibits then down around the Nature Walk on the South Pond for extra distance. The one downfall is when the lions are out basking in the sun, you may increase your timing due to stopping for pictures. The paths are wide enough even on a busier day and the hills really helped with stamina and endurance as you train for any upcoming races. Starting at the south end of Lincoln Park and running around the zoo and south pond easily gets me a 5k once you make your way around all the animals.

From John Bowen, Director of Sponsorship for Proud to Run and President of Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago:

While I love all the routes taken by FR/FW Chicago on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, I have a particular fondness for our 4 mile northbound route from the Totem Pole that passes the Peace Garden, winds through a bit of the bird sanctuary, and reaches the tip of Montrose Harbor before winding back along the lakefront. Developed last year for Global Running Day, it always offers a welcome change of scenery from our other courses which head south from the Totem Pole.

From Curtis Tom, Proud to Run Committee Member and designer of this year's finisher's medal:

I don't have a special running place besides the lakefront, but in terms of races in unusual places, I've really been enjoying the Rosehill Cemetary Crypt 5K run/walk the first weekend of October. They set up small lights along the path to guide you through the course in the dark, and it's fun seeing the creative costumes and lighting participants adorn themselves with.