A 5 km heart starting at Grant Park, Columbus Drive, drawn on real streets. Free preview; the GPX is €7.99 once. Or start from your hotel's door, €14
The Perfect Shakeout Run for 🇺🇸 Chicago Marathon
Chicago, USA · Oct 11, 2026
A shakeout run is a short, easy jog the day before your marathon designed to loosen your legs, settle your nerves, and keep your body in rhythm after days of tapering. Coaches set it at 20 to 30 minutes of easy running, measured in time rather than distance — enough to stay loose without spending the glycogen you need on race day. Adding a heart-shaped GPS art element to your shakeout run transforms a routine pre-race jog into a memorable experience worth sharing.
For the Chicago Marathon on Oct 11, 2026 in Chicago, preview a heart-shaped route on local streets with CityHeart. Check the starting point, distance and local access before choosing your route. The route appears as a clear heart on Strava, Garmin Connect, and other GPS apps — perfect for sharing with friends, family, and your running community before the big day.
Draw a 5 km heart at the start line (Grant Park, Columbus Drive) and preview it for free; the GPX is €7.99 once, with no subscription. From your hotel's door: €14. Import the GPX into a compatible navigation app; Apple Watch requires an app such as WorkOutDoors. Inspect the route before setting off.
Why run a heart shakeout?
- Stay loose — 20 to 30 minutes of easy running keeps the legs fresh for race day
- Explore the city — Discover Chicago on foot before the marathon
- Share on Strava — Your heart shape will earn instant kudos
- Calm race nerves — A familiar ritual helps you feel ready
- Create a memory — A heart-shaped GPS art run you'll never forget
Group shakeout runs in Chicago
Publicly announced and open to all paces. Check the host's page before you show up, times move.
- Peloton Chicago Shakeout Run
Hosted by Peloton, led by Tread instructor Kirsten Ferguson
Friday, October 9 · 5:30 PM · Caffè Oliva at Ohio Street Beach, 550 E Grand Ave, Chicago
About 5K at conversational pace; check-in from 4:45 PM; RSVP required, spots limited
Host's listing - Marathon Handbook × Zappos Shakeout Run
Hosted by Marathon Handbook × Zappos
Saturday, October 10 · 9:00 AM · Goddess and the Baker, 181 W Madison St, Chicago
Easy 5K loop around Millennium Park, coffee after; RSVP list full, ages 18+
Host's listing - Run With Kenyans Pamoja 5K Shakeout Run
Hosted by Run With Kenyans × Fleet Feet Chicago
Saturday, October 10 · 10:00 AM · 1023 South Delano Court, Chicago
5K along Lake Michigan, runners and walkers of all abilities
Host's listing
Can't make it, or want your own route? Draw a 5 km heart at the start line and run it whenever suits you: free preview, GPX €7.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shakeout run before the Chicago Marathon?
A shakeout run is a short, easy jog the day before your marathon to loosen up your legs and calm your nerves. Running a heart-shaped shakeout in Chicago adds a fun, creative element to your pre-race routine — and gives you something special to share on Strava before race day.
How long is the heart-shaped shakeout route in Chicago?
You choose the distance. Coaches set a shakeout at 20 to 30 minutes of easy running, which is roughly 3.6 to 5.5 km for a sub-3:00 runner and 2.4 to 3.5 km for a five-hour runner, so pick the length that matches your goal time rather than a fixed number. The route follows real streets in Chicago and draws a clear heart on your GPS tracker.
Which devices are compatible with the GPX file?
Import the GPX into a compatible navigation app. Apple Watch requires an app such as WorkOutDoors. Navigation features depend on your watch and app; check compatibility before buying.
When should I run my shakeout in Chicago?
Most runners do their shakeout run the morning or afternoon before race day. For the Chicago Marathon on Oct 11, 2026, plan your heart run for the day before. Start near your hotel, follow the GPX route, and finish with a photo of your heart on Strava.