The Only World-Class Race to Paddle
Lake Michigan and the Shores of Chicago

Leg I:  Calumet Harbor to 63rd Street Beach
All Marathon competitors will start at 9:00 AM from the metal pilings off the Calumet boat ramps and proceed through the northern entrance to the Harbor before following the break wall back to shore.  Once within ¼ mile of shore, competitors will follow the shore north to 63rd St. Beach.

NOTE: Competitors must go outside the light grey break wall off the South Side Water Filtration Plant. This is a security zone and failure to keep outside the break wall will result in disqualification.

Leg II:  63rd Street Beach to 12th Street Beach
Racers will check in on the south side of 63rd Street Beach before proceeding northward along the shore to 12th Street Beach.

Leg III:  12th Street Beach to North Avenue Beach
Racers will proceed north from the south end of 12th Street Beach and, after passing the Planetarium, will aim at the tip of Navy Pier (remaining inside the break wall).  By taking such a course, competitors will distance themselves from the entrance to Monroe and DuSable Harbors and the Chicago Lock.  This distance should allow competitors to see and avoid any boats entering the lake from the aforementioned sources. It is the competitors’ responsibility to maintain a safe course while navigating this busy area.  After rounding Navy Pier, racers will follow the buoys around the North Side Water Filtration Plant and proceed west toward Ohio Street Beach.  Once they are 1/8 mile from shore, competitors will aim at North Avenue Pier by exiting through the northwestern gap in the Navy Pier Break Wall.

Leg IV:  North Avenue Beach to Montrose Beach
Racers will proceed north and east after checking in at southern tip of North Avenue Beach.  Competitors will be aiming directly at the eastern end of the Montrose Pier and will be ½ -1 mile off shore as they pass Diversey, Belmont and Montrose Harbors.

Leg V:  Montrose Beach to Leone Beach
Competitors will conclude the Marathon by following the shore north to Leone Beach after checking in on the far south end of Montrose Beach.  Competitors should be finishing the race between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM.

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Course Data