If you’ve ever slogged through a humid July morning in Chicago, you know the Lakefront Trail isn’t always a runner’s paradise. It’s crowded. You’re dodging tourists, rogue Divvy bikes, and dogs on very long leashes. But tucked away just north of the harbor is a spot that feels like a sanctuary for the serious—and the seriously casual. The Montrose Beach Track & Field, officially known as the Lincoln Wilson Running Track, is probably the best-kept secret that everyone already knows about.
Yet, despite its popularity, people still get the basics wrong.
Is it open to the public? Is it actually rubberized? Can you wear spikes? Honestly, the rumors are as varied as the people running there. Some call it the "Wilson Track," others "Montrose Track," and a few just know it as "that place with the skyline views and the wind." Whatever you call it, this 400-meter oval is the heartbeat of North Side speedwork.
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The Reality of Running at Montrose Beach Track & Field
Look, let’s be real. Not all tracks are created equal. You’ve got your high school asphalt loops that eat your knees for breakfast. Then you’ve got the professional-grade Mondotrack surfaces that feel like running on a cloud. Montrose Beach Track & Field sits comfortably in the middle. It’s a synthetic, 8-lane rubberized surface.
It has "give." Your shins will thank you.
But there’s a catch. Because it’s right on the lake, the weather is its own character. You might have a perfect tailwind on the backstretch, only to hit an invisible wall of Lake Michigan air on the final turn. It’s basically nature’s way of adding resistance training to your 400m repeats.
Location and Access: Don't Get Lost
Most people put "Montrose Beach" into their GPS and end up near the bird sanctuary or the dog beach. If you do that, you're looking at a half-mile trek just to start your warm-up. The track is actually located at 4400 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, sitting between Montrose Avenue and Wilson Drive.
Technically, it’s part of Lincoln Park.
- Public Hours: Usually 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- The Vibe: Early mornings are for the "quads of steel" crowd—local track clubs like Second City Track Club or CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association).
- The Surface: Synthetic rubber. It’s held up well, though some regulars mention it can feel a bit firm when the Chicago winter freezes the ground solid.
- Lighting: Yes, it has lights. This is a game-changer for those 6:00 PM winter workouts when the sun disappears at 4:15 PM.
The Spike Debate
One of the most frequent questions: "Can I wear spikes at Montrose?"
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Kinda.
If you’re a collegiate athlete or a sprinter doing Max-V work, you might be tempted to screw in those 1/4-inch pyramids. However, the Chicago Park District doesn't always love it, and more importantly, the surface can be a bit thin in high-wear areas. If you must use spikes, keep them short. Most people are better off with a high-end plated "super shoe" or a dedicated track flat. Honestly, unless you're trying to break 50 seconds in the 400, your Saucony Endorphins are plenty.
Why the "Wilson Track" Name Matters
You’ll hear the old-timers call it the Wilson Track. It’s named after the adjacent Wilson Avenue, but also ties into the long history of the Uptown neighborhood's lakefront development. Back in the 1930s, this whole area was part of a massive landfill extension project. They literally built the ground you're running on out of the lake.
Knowing that makes those intervals feel a bit more epic. You’re running on 90 years of Chicago engineering.
The track is surrounded by the "Montrose Turf" fields. These are often packed with soccer leagues, Ultimate Frisbee players, and the occasional Cricket match on Cricket Hill just to the south. It creates this chaotic, beautiful symphony of North Side athleticism.
The Unwritten Rules of the Oval
If you don't want to get yelled at by a coach with a stopwatch, follow the etiquette.
1. Lane 1 is for speed. If you are walking or jogging slowly while chatting about your weekend, stay in Lanes 7 or 8. Lane 1 is the "fast lane." If someone is coming up behind you during a rep, they’ll usually yell "Track!" or "Inside!" That’s your cue to move.
2. Run Counter-Clockwise. This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised. Running clockwise is a great way to cause a head-on collision that nobody wants.
3. No strollers in the inner lanes. We love the "running parents" of Uptown and Lakeview. Seriously. But a double-wide stroller in Lane 2 during a CARA track night is a recipe for disaster. Stick to the outer lanes or the paved path surrounding the facility.
Parking and the "Montrose Tax"
Parking is the one thing that truly sucks about the Montrose Beach Track & Field.
During the summer, the "Pay & Display" lots fill up by 10:00 AM. If you’re lucky, you can snag a spot on West Wilson Drive or Simonds Drive, but keep a sharp eye on the signs. The Chicago parking enforcement team is more efficient than an Olympic sprinter. They will ticket you.
Pro-tip: Take the CTA. The Wilson Red/Purple line station is about a 10-15 minute walk. It’s a great way to get your legs moving before you hit the rubber. Plus, the walk takes you past some of the best coffee spots in Uptown if you need a post-run caffeine hit.
Community and Training Groups
You don't have to suffer alone. This track is the home base for several local groups.
- CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association): They host "Power Hour" sessions here. It’s very structured, very welcoming, and great if you need a coach to tell you exactly how much to hurt.
- 3RUN2: While they move around the city, they often have a presence here. Their vibe is more "community and culture" mixed with serious miles.
- Heartbreak Hill Running Company: They often lead sessions nearby, utilizing the track for their "Signature Speed" workouts.
If you’re a lone wolf, that’s fine too. But there is something incredibly motivating about doing 800m repeats while twenty other people are doing the exact same thing. It turns a grueling workout into a shared experience.
Actionable Next Steps for Your First Visit
Ready to lace up? Don't just show up and run until you drop.
- Check the Wind: Use a weather app. If the wind is coming off the lake at 20 mph, plan your workout so the "hard" part of your interval has the wind at your back. It’s a mental game.
- Bring Water: There are fountains nearby, but they are often turned off in the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) to prevent pipe freezes. Bring your own bottle.
- Dress in Layers: The "lake effect" is real. It can be 5 degrees cooler at the track than it is just three blocks west in the city.
- Timing: Aim for Tuesday or Wednesday evenings if you want the high-energy "track meet" feel. Go on a Monday morning if you want the place to yourself.
- Vary Your Workout: Don't just do 400s. Use the nearby Cricket Hill for incline repeats to build explosive power, then finish on the track for leg turnover.
The Montrose Beach Track & Field is more than just a place to run in circles. It’s a community hub where the lake breeze meets the grit of the city. Whether you’re training for the Chicago Marathon or just trying to run your first mile without stopping, the track is waiting. Just remember: Lane 1 is for the fast folks, and the wind always wins.