Where to run
South Side running routes worth knowing
South Side Chicago running routes: 79th Street, the lakefront to Promontory Point, Washington and Jackson Parks, the Midway, Beverly and 47th Street.
The South Side has some of the best running in Chicago, and a lot of it is quieter than the routes most guides send you to. These are routes our crew runs, or that we'd send a friend to. Distances depend on where you start, so map your own loop on Strava or your watch before you head out.
79th Street
This is the street our crew is named for. South Siders call it "the 9." Our first run, in February 2024, started at the Regal Theater on 79th and finished at Mahalia Jackson Court at 79th and State. It's a long, straight commercial street with storefronts, churches and people who will absolutely say something to you as you go by. Run it on a weekend morning when traffic is light and stop for breakfast after.
The lakefront: 31st Street to Promontory Point
Start at 31st Street Beach and run south along the Lakefront Trail through Burnham Park to Promontory Point at 55th Street. It's flat, it's open, and the skyline is behind you the whole way down. Turn around at the Point, or keep going toward 63rd Street Beach and Jackson Park. See the full Lakefront Trail guide for wind, water and winter tips.
Washington Park, the Midway and Jackson Park
Washington Park has wide paths and plenty of room for a loop. From its east side, the Midway Plaisance runs about a mile east past the University of Chicago to Jackson Park, where you can circle the lagoons and Wooded Island and reach the lakefront at 63rd Street. Linking all three gives you a long, mostly green run without much traffic.
Beverly and the Ridge
Beverly and Morgan Park sit on a glacial ridge, which gives the Far South Side something the rest of Chicago doesn't have: hills. Longwood Drive runs along the ridge past big old houses and is popular with runners for exactly that reason. Our crew has logged some cold-morning miles out here, finished with a group photo under the Beverly mural.
47th Street
One of our biggest Saturday turnouts was in front of the mural at 47th and Greenwood. 47th Street connects Bronzeville to Kenwood and gets you close to the lakefront at the east end, which makes it a good spine for a neighborhood loop.
Bronzeville and the boulevards
Martin Luther King Drive and the boulevards around Bronzeville have wide sidewalks, historic buildings and long blocks. In October, this is also where the Chicago Marathon passes Mile 23 and where OnThe9 runs its cheer zone. More on that in our marathon spectator guide.
Tips for any South Side route
- Plan your crossings. Getting to the lakefront means crossing Lake Shore Drive. Use the bridges and underpasses.
- Know where water is. Park fountains are seasonal. In colder months, plan a stop at a store or carry a bottle.
- Go early on weekends. Streets are quieter and the light is better.
- Spend money on the route. Coffee, breakfast or a bottle of water from a corner store keeps the blocks you run on going.
Run them with us
OnThe9 runs Saturdays across these neighborhoods so every part of the South Side sees the crew. Each week's meeting spot and start time go up on our Strava club. Read more about the crew.
Common questions
Where can I run on the South Side of Chicago?
Good options include the Lakefront Trail from 31st Street south to Promontory Point and South Shore, Washington Park, the Midway Plaisance, Jackson Park, Longwood Drive in Beverly, and neighborhood streets like 79th and 47th.
Are there hills on the South Side?
A few. Beverly and Morgan Park sit on a glacial ridge, so Longwood Drive and the streets around it have some of the only real hills in the city.
Is it safe to run on the South Side?
Plenty of people run on the South Side every day. Use the same habits you would anywhere in the city: run in daylight or with a group, tell someone your route, and wear something reflective when it's dark.
