Course and Run Information
The course is a point-to-point course which starts at Foster Avenue and runs north to Hollywood before turning south to follow the entire Chicago lakefront path, finishing at the historic and beautiful South Shore Cultural Center.
Download course map
Finish Line map
Emergency Alert System
This year, we will be implenting an Emergency Alert System (EAS) during the event. If at any time there is threatening weather before or during the run, a flag system will be utilized to alert runners of any possible danger. EAS volunteers at aid stations will be wearing fluorescent green vests. These volunteers will be communicating any changing conditions during the event. If race conditions warrant anything except a green flag, please pay attention to EAS personnel and follow their instructions.
If there is threatening weather the day before or day of the run, please make sure to check the CARA website for updates or cancellations.
Wave Start
Runners will step off according to pace in groups of 50 runners at a time, spaced 30 seconds apart. The faster runners (7:00 and 7:30 minute/mile) will start first, and be followed by subsequent groups (8 minute/mile, then 8:30 minute/mile, etc.) This event is NOT a race, but a training event. Runners will be led by pace group leaders to maintain a steady pace for the length of the run. Pace time should be selected at registration for proper wave group assignment. Wave start time will be given at packet pickup.
Run/Walk
Run/Walkers from the CARA Marathon Training Program are welcome at the event. If you are a Run/Walker training on your own, please note the course will NOT be supported past 12 pm. This pace represents an 16:30 minute/mile pace. The maximum pace to meet the 6 ½ hour cut-off time at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is 14:53 minute/mile.
Aid Stations
The course includes 10 fully supported aid stations, approximately every 2 miles. Water and Gatorade will be served at all stations, with additional nutrition available later in the course.
Transportation from Finish
Buses will leave South Shore Cultural Center every 30 minutes, beginning at 9:30 am, to transport runners back to Foster Avenue Parking lot. Due to limited parking, we encourage runners to carpool and/or use public transportation to the event start.
Gear Check
Runners will be able to drop their gear at the start before 7:30 am, and retrieve their gear bag at the finish line.
Finish Line Celebration
After running twenty miles, you should celebrate! Runners can hang out and enjoy beverages, post run snacks, and live music. South Shore Cultural Center has a beautiful, lakeshore picnic area where runners can congregate to stretch, refuel, and dance if you want to!
Runner Premiums
The first 3500 people to sign up will receive limited edition technical shirt proclaiming that they are finishers of the CARA Ready to Run 20 Miler. You’ve done 20, you are ready for 26.2!
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