Today September 24, the city of Chicago witnessed thousands of runners participating in the much-anticipated Half Marathon and 5K, which took place in Jackson Park, Hyde Park, and along South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The event commenced early in the morning, as the Half Marathon started at 7 a.m. and the 5K at 7:45 a.m., both with the starting and finishing lines in Jackson Park. An additional treat for the younger generation was the introduction of the Kids Run Chicago race, which began at 10 a.m. According to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), street closures due to the event began yesterday, and continued till today.

The OEMC advised the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to 9-1-1, reinforcing the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign. This national anti-terrorism campaign seeks to encourage vigilant citizenship by emphasizing the critical importance of reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities. Maintaining high levels of safety and security has become a priority in recent times, as the Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory on May 24, 2023, highlighting the heightened threat environment across the United States. The advisory focused on the risk of "lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances"

To ensure the security of participants and spectators alike, a comprehensive citywide security deployment strategy was in place during the weekend of the event. The OEMC closely monitored the race and maintained constant communication with the Chicago Police Department and other city departments, enabling a coordinated citywide response to any emergencies. As an additional safety measure, public safety warnings and alerts were accessible via the Chicago OEMC App, which encourages users to remain informed and prepared in case of emergencies. To stay updated on weather and other event-related developments, residents and attendees were urged to sign up for NotifyChicago alerts, which provide essential information in a timely manner.