I need to do some long runs while in Chicago in a couple of weeks. Is the perimeter of Grant Park about 8-10 miles? I'm looking for a path that I can easily follow and not get lost (being a tourist).

You could head over to the lake front trail and run out as far as you like, then turn around and head back. It runs about 18 miles total, so plenty for your needs. You could head north and south on alternate days to vary things a bit.

Search for the "Chicago lake front path" box on this page for separate maps of the northern and southern sections:

http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/illpaths.htm

jlm_mi's reply is what I would also suggest, you can't get lost with the lake to your side. Be sure to stay on the path marked for walkers/joggers, in some places there are distinct areas for bikes vs. others marked on the pavement. And although not exact on the lakefront path, a mile is equal to 800 of street addresses which are marked on the trail as well, Monroe Street is the 0 point between north and south.

woo hoo! thanks! and it's pretty safe if I go out at 530 or 6 a.m.?

Melissa, what a wonderful book it would be, "getting lost in Chicago". Just a thought

I could start a whole series!
Lost in Chicago
Lost in San Francisco
Lost in New York (all the time)
Lost in Paris
Lost in London
etc

ha ha

Yup, it's safe, no worries. If you stick to the path north of downtown, there will probably be more people on it than there will be south of downtown.