Plugging Into the Chicago Running Scene

When you open the AllTrails app and zoom in on Chicago running routes, you’ll see nearly 200 options across the city. Zoom in even further and you’ll find the beating heart of each neighborhood: solo runners hitting their coffee shop commute before work or running clubs going door to door to their favorite restaurants, like Cozy Noodles n’ Rice. 

HOKA athlete Chef Tee is the chef–owner at Cozy Noodles n’ Rice in Wrigleyville. He started running casually just to stay in shape, but quickly got swept up in the running spirit that fuels the city. 

In 2014, Chef Tee got a lottery spot in the Chicago Marathon and has raced almost every year since. In 2016, he skipped the race to watch the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series (understandable).

As his love for the running community grew alongside the finisher medals from the Chicago Marathon, Chef Tee decided to begin supporting the marathoners with whom he has spent hundreds of miles running. During the Chicago Marathon, he offers a free carb-loading meal to all marathoners before and after the race at Cozy Noodles n’ Rice.

Check out Chef Tee’s video below, sponsored by HOKA. Then check out his favorite runs around the city.

Where to Run in Chicago

As someone who has run hundreds of miles in Chicago, Chef Tee knows his way around the running routes in the area. Below are some top route picks from HOKA and Chef Tee’s favorite runs. 

Chef Tee Recommends: Lake Front Trail

Take bite-sized chunks out of this 18.2-mile lakefront trail in downtown Chicago. The trail is paved asphalt or concrete and has wonderful lakefront views along the distance.

Waterfall Glen Main Trail and Tear Thumb Loop

Southwest of the city, you’ll find this 4.2-mile loop, consisting of a wide gravel trail throughout. The trail is open year-round, and dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas. This trail is also a popular winter trail destination and is beautiful all year long.

Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop

Heading southwest from the city center, you’ll find this 8.2-mile loop trail, which is primarily forested with smaller rolling hills. You’ll encounter stairs and multiple creek crossings, along with ponds and lakes. This is a great trail run to get immersed in nature and out of the city.

Chef Tee Recommends: 312 Riverrun Path

Cruise the North Branch of the Chicago River up to Horner Park on this easy 2.8-mile run. The trail passes through multiple scenic areas and parks and crosses the Chicago River up toward Horner Park.

Glenview North Brand to Skokie River

North of the city is a 7.8-mile trail through dense oak and maple forests and along the Chicago River. This is also an immersive nature trail and gives runners a break from the city.

The best way to get involved in the running scene in the Chicago area is to join a local running club or hit up the local running shops, like the HOKA Store at 746 N Michigan Ave. Then, after logging some miles, swing through Cozy Noodles n’ Rice and say hi to Chef Tee.

This post is sponsored by HOKA.