Chicago Spring Half Marathon wraps up in Grant Park

Runners of the Chicago Spring Half Marathon crossed the finish line Sunday morning, officially starting the city's running season for a good cause.

This year's event brings awareness and is helping to support Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute. The race began around 7 a.m., winding through the east lake shore and Grant Park areas. This is the sixth year the race has been sponsored by Lifetime, and the fifth year that the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute is the event's charitable partner.

About 6,000 runners are participating this year, including brain cancer survivors and those who support them.

"What we really want to do is to help people know the warning signs and symptoms for brain tumors, and to know where the trusted sources of medical services," said Holly Gibout, vice president of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation.

"This is also the first half marathon of the Chicago running season, so it's really a celebration of what should be spring," said Scott Hutmacher, Lifetime Athletic Events.