A Guide to the Best Running Tour Companies in Chicago

The best way to see Chicago is on foot, this way you get to see historic sites, architectural gems, pass local hotspots, and stop to take in the beautiful scenery. But what if you want to see some of Chicago while working out at the same time, or what if your workout takes you past places you want to know more about? Thanks to several new guided tours by Chicago running companies you can now take a running tour that is designed to get you the most out of your workout while filling you in on all things Chicago as you go.

The different running tours of Chicago cater to different needs and interests. Originally, most of the tour companies provided running guides for those who trained for marathons, or who were just seeking someone to pace their runs, and walking tours of the city for those interested in the historic and cultural aspects of Chicago. The idea for running tours caught on as those who were running voiced an interest in learning more about the city they flew through every day. Pretty soon the idea caught on and Chicago, like several other large cities, had running tours of its own provided by some of the most well known tour companies in Chicago.

The following are the best running tour companies in Chicago, each is a little different and offer different services so be sure to choose the one that is right for you.

City Running Tours
This is one of the most professional walking or running tour companies I tried. City Running Tours operates in several cities, but local experienced guides are chosen to take you through the city on a customized tour. Whatever your experience is running, they guide will work with you to make sure you get the most satisfying run while still seeing all that you can in the time and distance you want. Choose from a set route, design your own, or do a combination of the two when consulting with your guide for the best way to get around the town.

Fleet Feet Historic Neighborhood Runs
I like Fleet Feet runs because they focus on the historic sites that there are to see in Chicago, and history is something Chicago has plenty of. Runs from this company are more like traditional walking tours with runs taking place in between each point of interest. A set schedule of tours is available on the website so be sure to check for availability.

On the morning of the run, the guide will wait at an arranged meeting spot for all runners to arrive. In order to let everyone run at their own pace, the entire group sets out on the run to a determined stop with historic interest where the guide will talk about the site. I like this historic run for two reasons, even though I am running with a group I still have the freedom to slow down or pick up the pace as I wish because a route map is provided to me. Secondly, the tour is entirely free.

American Running Guides
American Running Guides is very similar to the offerings of City Running Tours. The running tours provided by American Running Guides are a little more on the serious runner side, they look more at getting the most out of your run and focus a little less on the historical and architectural side of the run. On the plus side, you get more control over your run, what you want to see, and for how long you want to be out. Let the company know everything you want to see when you book, and your guide will come with a predetermined route to make sure you get it all in.