Transportation & Arrival

Plan Ahead. Arrive Early.

Arrival Time

Thousands of participants from across the Chicagoland region and from cities across the country will join us in Chicago for the 2024 Gospel Run! We can’t reiterate enough the importance of planning ahead and arriving early.

Participants should arrive between 7am and 7:30am to be in place for the line-up in the starting corrals. The 5K steps off at 8am. The Starting Line area will close after the last 5K participant clears the starting line, and the course staff will begin preparations for the Gospel Kids Run. Don’t miss your moment!

Participants and spectators are encouraged to plan their travel and race day logistics well ahead of time so you are prepared for on-time arrival on race day.

Race Location

Oakwood (39th Street) Beach
1199 E Oakwood Blvd
Chicago, IL 60653

The race venue is located in the historic Bronzeville community, on the stunning Chicago lakefront!

Drop-Offs, Ride Sharing, & Taxi

The 39th street beach parking lot will be accessible to team buses, taxis, and Uber/Lyft vehicles for drop off.

If using Uber/Lyft, consider planning ahead of time by reserving a ride from one of these apps a day or more in advance. This will help you estimate cost and ensure that you have a ride reserved for you.

Staging Area for Church Buses. Church buses can drop you off at the 39th Street Beach site and then park at Monumental Baptist Church – 729 E Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, 60653 – until your team is ready for them to pick you up. If your bus driver would like to join the event, s/he can jump on the shuttle over and join the experience to cheer you on! 

Complimentary Shuttle Service

Gospel Run will offer free shuttles from 5:45am-11:30am for participants and volunteers. Be sure to arrive early and follow instructions from the parking staff.

Shuttle Pick Up Location: Monumental Baptist Church – 729 E Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, 60653

Shuttle Schedule:

  • The shuttle will begin at 5:45 AM and provide continuous service to 39th Street Beach until the start of the race.
  • Post-5K return shuttle service to Monumental Baptist Church will be available until 11am.
  • We highly encourage shuttle riders to arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time to load the shuttles prior to departure to the event site.

Remote Parking Lot

There is no participant parking at the race site. Event attendees are strongly encouraged to use car-pooling, public transportation, or ride-share services to the event if possible.

Remote event parking is available at Monumental Baptist Church at 729 E Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, 60653.

If you drive, please plan to arrive early to allow sufficient time to catch the shuttle to the event site from the remote lot.

Public Transportation

CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). Please visit the CTA website at www.transitchicago.com or the Metra website at www.metrarail.com to determine the best route of travel and to plan for the time needed for your trip.

Bus Routes:

  • #43 (Oakenwald & 43rd Street)
  • #4 Cottage Grove (Cottage Grove & Pershing)
  • #39 (Pershing)

Links to Public Transportation Sites

Double-check transit routes and schedules for the most up-to-date information, as they may change over time.*

Plan Ahead. Arrive Early.