Running, capturing images and learning about Chicago's history are all wrapped up in one tour by the City Running Tour of Chicago.
City Running Tour of Chicago offers three different themed routes, beginning at 7:15 am during the weekdays and 8 am during the weekends. All the tours meet at the Cloud Gate Sculpture, affectionately known as the Bean. For the specific times, visit the website.
International visitors come from Canada, according to manager and tour guide Marlin Kessler, adding tourists are coming from Europe as well. In 2012, Chicago received 46.2 million visitors, according to Chicago Tourism and Convention Bureau.
Illinois increased its tourism volume by 11 percent to place it sixth overall among the top states visited by overseas travelers -- behind Nevada, Hawaii, California, Florida and New York, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Tour guide: Marlin Keesler
He paces his tour groups well, with special attention to non runners. With no cue cards, his passion about Chicago is apparent through his informative manner. Kessler's easy-going personality puts visitors at ease.
Price Point
City Running Tour of Chicago charges $25 for the Grant Park route.
Highlights of Grant Park
Art exhibits throughout this park are awe inspiring. The City Running Tour is one of the best way to see Grant Park from top to bottom. The tour guide shares historical facts, especially through sculptures including:
No need to bring a camera. Tour guides are equipped with camera equipment, taking both action and posed shots of visitors. Then, images are posted on online media tool of Flicker.
Gardens and outdoor stages are situated in key location throughout the 319-acre park. In addition, off-the-beaten path "hidden gems" are part of the charm of Grant Park.
Forget the notebook at your hotel room. Your tour guide will provide details of the tour through an email, outlining the landmarks and specific points.
Other features of Grant Park include:
- Millennium Park
- Daley Park
- Buckingham Fountain
- Congress Park
- Chicago Lakefront Trail
Duration
It will take about two hours to cover 5k.
Contact information
City Running Tour Chicago
(877) 415 0058 x12
Email: Marlin@CityRunningTours.com
Website: www.cityrunningtours.com/Chicago
Tip #1: Wear sun screen, hat, shades and bring bottled water.
Tip #2: This is one of the tours ideal for children as young as four because of the beatific park and amazing landscapes.
Tip #3: Grant Park, no matter where, is a premier location for people watching.
Tip #4: Private tours are awesome for its customization and personal pacing between walking, jogging and running.
Tip #5: When a participant completes four "featured" tours, a T-shirt is part of the package to commemorate the achievement of running 26.2 miles.
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