Sunday's Chicago Half Marathon: Headache for Drivers; A Deal for Metra Riders

The Chicago Half Marathon that kicks off Sunday in Jackson Park will inconvenience drivers — but translate into a break for Metra riders.

Metra is offering a $5 special event pass, to be sold on race day only from the Millennium Station ticket window, for service on Metra’s Electric Line. The pass will allow runners and spectators to travel to the event from Metra’s Millennium Station and back.

Plus, Metra is offering two extra trains before and after the race.

The 17th annual marathon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Cornell and Hayes in Jackson Park, forcing the closure of multiple streets and portions of Lake Shore Drive from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The disruption occurs on the same day as Soldier Field hosts the Chicago Bears’ opening day.

Below is a news release on Metra’s special fare and Electric Line schedule that day, as well as a second release detailing road closures.

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Metra Media Relations 312-322-6776

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metra to offer extra service, special fare for half marathon

CHICAGO (August 30, 2013) – Metra will offer extra service on the Metra Electric Line and a special $5 pass for runners and spectators who want to take Metra to the Chicago Half Marathon in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013.

Two extra trains will depart from Millennium Station at Michigan and Randolph bound for the 63^rd St. Station, which is close to the official start of the half marathon in Jackson Park. Those trains will depart 5:45 a.m., arriving at 63^rd St. at 6:10 a.m., and 6:05 a.m., arriving at 63^rd St. at 6:30 a.m. The extra trains will run in addition to Metra’s usual Sunday schedule.

Two more extra trains will depart from 63^rd St. after the event. The first will depart 63^rd St. at 9:55 a.m., arriving at Millennium at 10:20 a.m., and the second will depart 63^rd St. at 10:15 a.m., arriving at Millennium at 10:40 a.m. Those trains also are in addition to the usual Sunday schedule.

A $5 special event pass, to be sold on race day from Millennium Station ticket windows only, will allow runners and spectators to travel to the event from Millennium and back. This special event pass is valid only for travel between Millennium Station through 63rd St.

For a more detailed schedule of the extra trains, please go to www.metrarail.com.

Whether you’re participating in the race or cheering from the sidelines, Metra is an easy way to get to and from the Chicago Half Marathon.

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ROAD RESTRICTIONS AND TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 DUE TO 17TH ANNUAL CHICAGO HALF MARATHON & HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS 5K

Information for Drivers, Including Chicago Bears’ Fans Traveling to Soldier Field

Chicago, IL –The 17th Annual Chicago Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. with over 16,500 participants from the intersection of Cornell & Hayes in Jackson Park. The course will circle Jackson Park, the Jackson Park Golf Course & Jackson Park Harbors and Lake Shore Drive. Vehicular traffic in these areas will be disrupted from approximately 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. It is important that Chicagoans, including those traveling to Soldier Field for the Chicago Bears’ opening day, be aware of traffic patterns that day.

Approximate Times for Closures

• · Immediate Jackson Park Area (Hayes & Richards): Saturday 9 a.m. through Sunday 1:00 p.m.
• · Cornell from 67th St. to 57th St.: 3 – 9 a.m.
• · Stony Island from 67th to 57th: 6:30 -9:30 a.m.
• · 57th from Stony Island to Lake Shore Drive: 6:30 – 11 a.m.
• · Marquette from Stony Island to Lake Shore Drive: 6:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• · 67th from Jeffrey to South Shore: 6:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• · South Shore from 67th to Lake Shore Drive: 6:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• · Northbound Lake Shore Drive from 67th to 31st St. 6:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• · Southbound Lake Shore Drive from 67th to 31st St. 6:30 –11 a.m.

For more information or questions, you can go on-line at www.ChicagoHalfMarathon.com or please call the Chicago Half Marathon at (800) 596-5990 or email at info@ChicagoHalfMarathon.com.

US Road Sports & Entertainment Group US Road Sports & Entertainment Groupis a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city’s culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.

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Media Contacts:

Paramount Public Relations, Inc.

Jessica Prah, 312.544.4190, jprah@paramountpr.com

Elizabeth Lewis, 312.544.4190, elizabeth@paramountpr.com