On Oct. 7, thousands of runners took to the streets for the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Whether training for the marathon or just jogging and listening to a favorite podcast, you can see runners out and about nearly any day of the year in Chicago. Any stretch of sidewalk can do in a pinch, but these five neighborhoods offer some of the best options for dedicated runners.

Lincoln Park

Nature Broadwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park offers plenty of quiet, brownstone-lined residential streets for mapping out a quick run. Neighborhood residents who love going the distance have easy access to the Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile paved path that hugs the curves of Lake Michigan. No matter the time of year, the path is dotted with walkers, runners, and bicyclists getting a work out and taking in the scenery.

If you want a little more structure for your outdoor run, head to the neighborhood’s Wrightwood Park. The four-acre open space features a dedicated running track (note that the track and athletic field may be converted into an ice skating rink during the winter.) Some runners like the solitude and reflective nature of the sport, while others need a crew to stay motivated. If you are part of the latter crowd, the Lincoln Park Pacers meet up on Saturdays for a five-mile run along the lakefront. The group also grabs a post-run meal together.

Logan Square

The 606 runs through Logan Square, Bucktown, and Humboldt Park

Runners who like getting in miles with their dogs will find themselves right at home in Logan Square. This neighborhood has its own dog park, located at Western Avenue and Logan Boulevard. Run along Logan Boulevard, which has smaller, residential streets set back from the busier strip of road, to reach the dog park. Plus, the stately homes and towering trees lining the boulevard offer a picturesque backdrop to your cardio workout.

Runners can also take their route to the next level, literally, by climbing the steps to The 606. This 2.7-mile elevated trail runs through this neighborhood as well as Bucktown and Humboldt Park, which has a massive park that makes for another great running spot. 

South Loop

View from Museum Campus towards Grant Park

Downtown Chicago and its throngs of busy people might not seem like the best spot for running, but the South Loop will surprise you. This neighborhood is home to Museum Campus, where you can run along the lake or jog down the paths winding around the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium. Behind the planetarium, you’ll find a surprising swath of open space: the 91-acre Northerly Island. The peninsula has multiple paths that cut through the area’s wild prairie landscaping. While you run, you’ll have an impossible-to-ignore view of the Chicago skyline. 

If you’re looking for a place to gear up, the South Loop has a Fleet Feet location. In addition to selling runners’ gear, Fleet Feet also puts together training programs in partnership with Chicago Endurance Sports. Whether you’re looking to improve your stamina or get in shape for an upcoming race, Fleet Feet has plenty of options to get you moving toward your next best time. 

Hyde Park

Japanese Garden in Jackson Park

Hyde Park has access to a few major Chicago parks: Washington Park, Jackson Park, and Burnham Park. In Washington Park, runners can trace out a route around the Washington Park Arboretum, DuSable Museum of African American History, and Bynum Island. The northern end of Jackson Park is within the bounds of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Here, you can run through Museum Campus South, which includes the Museum of Science and Industry. Burnham Park offers an ideal running spot along Promontory Point, a man-made peninsula that extends out into the lake.

Hyde Park is also a promising spot for anyone who likes to run with a group. Hyde Park Runners Club meets on Saturday mornings for a three- to five-mile run. If you’re feeling competitive, the University of Chicago Titans Track Club hosts indoor track meets that bring together runners of all ages. During the summer, the club hosts Thursday night meets at the Jackson Park Track. Pick your event, solo or relay, and compete against hundreds of other runners.