Advocacy

The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to runners and running in Chicagoland. While CARA has a number of expert training programs designed for runners of all abilities and paces, the organization is more than just a training group.

CARA serves runners in a variety of ways, one of which is making sure that runners’ needs are met by local organizations as best they can. For example, mile markers on the Lakefront Path in Chicago are a direct result of CARA’s partnership with the Chicago Park District. Having bathrooms left open a little longer or open a little earlier in the season is also something that CARA has worked on and continues to work on with various park districts in the area. Similarly, the water fountains found along trails and paths are evidence of CARA’s advocating for its runners.

Many of us may take these things for granted but when CARA hears from its members, it acts. When the City of Chicago wanted to impose an 8 percent tax on running events held within the city limits. CARA met with Mayor Daley to request that the tax not be imposed as it could decrease the number of events in the city, which would be unable or unwilling to pay the tax. Through CARA’s advocacy, the tax was lifted.

There are other examples of CARA’s advocacy at work all over the Chicagoland region and by becoming a member you can be a part of helping improve the overall running community for yourself and your fellow runners. Being a part of CARA isn’t just about discounts and social activities (though both are great perks!)—it’s about being an important part of the running community. What you give CARA, you get back in running satisfaction tenfold.

Keep CARA up to date on things you see in the running community that CARA should be aware of by contacting us.