About
The CARA Runners' Choice Circuit provides a competitive structure and recognition for Chicagoland runners and clubs. The Circuit annually honors Chicagoland’s top runners and clubs with Runner of the Year and Club Champion titles. Comprised of various race distances, the Runners’ Choice Circuit providers all runners - both recreational and competitive - with the opportunity to chase personal, club, and competitive goals.
Circuit Schedule (2023)
The Circuit features Chicagoland’s most well organized and well-appreciated races. Circuit races are found in both the city and suburbs and include both major world-class events and local club races alike. Circuit races are annually assembled with the input of CARA’s membership, the CARA Racing Committee, the CARA staff, and CARA Board of Directors.
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Schedule Notes:
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When races offer multiple distances, only the distance listed in the schedule counts for Circuit scoring.
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Race events marked with an asterisk (*) are tentatively planning for the listed date.
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Only in-person races and in-person registration options are included in the Circuit.
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Some races may have limited capacity in 2023. Circuit runners are encouraged to register immediately after registration opens for any Circuit races they intend to participate in. Once races fill to capacity, CARA does not have the ability to force Circuit races to allow additional Circuit runners into an event.
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Meet the Teams
DWRunning
Location:
Chicago & Suburbs
Joined:
Rejoined 2023
Sponsors:
Tracksmith
Naperville Running Co.
Divisions:
Open Men, Open Women, Master Men, Master Women
Club Type:
All Abilities, Limited Roster
More Info:
dwrunning.com instagram.com/dwrunning1
Cost to Join:
Monthly Membership Fee
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Oak Park Runners Club
Location:
Oak Park, IL
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
Club Type:
Community Team- All Runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
More Info:
Cost to Join:
Annual Membership Fee
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Venados Racing Team
Location:
Pilsen, Chicago
Joined:
2023
Divisions:
Open Men
Club Type:
Offers both a "community" and "elite" team
More Info:
Cost to Join:
Free Club Membership
Notes:
Founded in 1981 in the Pilsen Neighborhood of Chicago. Runners of all levels are welcome!
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Fleet Feet x New Balance Racing Team
Location:
Chicago, IL
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
More Info:
fleetfeet.com/s/chicago/racingteam
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CARA Racing Crew
Location:
Chicago & Suburbs
Joined:
2021
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
Club Type:
Community Team- All Runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
Contact:
Cost to Join:
Free Club Membership​
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Lakeview Running Club
UNFRGVN
Location:
Chicago/New York
Joined:
2023
Divisions:
Master Men, Master Women
Club Type:
Community- All runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
More Info:
Contact:
Cost to Join:
Free Membership
Notes:
Athletes have been represented in 20+ states, 4 countries, and 4 USATF National Championships
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Lakeshore Park Racing Club
Location:
Chicago, IL
Joined:
2022
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
Club Type:
Community Team- All runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
More Info:
Contact:
Cost to Join:
Free Club Membership- 1-2 volunteer expectations per year
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Evanston Running Club
Location:
Evanston, IL
Joined:
1981- Founding Member
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
Club Type:
Community Team- All runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
More Info:
Cost to Join:
Annual Membership Fee
Notes:
Founded in 1973, RRCA Member
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Xtra Mile Fast Track Racing Team
Location:
Schaumburg, IL
Joined:
2009
Sponsors:
Extra Mile Running Co.
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
Club Type:
Community Team- All runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
More Info:
instagram.com/fasttrackracingteam
Cost to Join:
Annual Club Membership Fee
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Track & Trough Athletic Union
Location:
North Side, Chicago
Joined:
2011
Divisions:
Open Men, Open Women, Master Men, Master Women
Club Type:
Community Team- All runners welcome, unlimited roster spots
More Info:
Track & Trough Athletic Union Facebook Page
Cost to Join:
Free Club Membership
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Elmhurst Running Club
Location:
Elmhurst, IL
Divisions:
Competes in All Divisions
More Info:
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Awards Party
The CARA Runners' Choice Circuit Awards Party for 2023 will be held February 25, 2024 at Chicago Theater Works. We will honor top performers and recognize CARA Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award inductees. Ticket information to come. Click Here for more details.
Hall of Fame
Runners are inducted to the CARA Runners' Choice Circuit Hall of Fame through long-standing success in the CARA Runners' Choice Circuit. Each year award winners are given five points for first place finishes in age-group and/or Clydesdale/Athena categories. Three points are awarded for a second-place finish, and 1 point for a third-place finish. Once a runner has earned 30 total points they are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Runners can earn points in both age-group or Clydesdale/Athena categories simultaneously. However, 30 points must be reached in solely one of the categories, not a combination of the two.
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Awards History
Runners' Choice Circuit Facebook Group
Runners are encouraged to engage with fellow Circuit runners, and stay connected with latest news on our Runners' Choice Circuit Facebook Group.
CARA Racing Committee
The CARA Racing Committee, in collaboration with CARA staff, leads the CARA Circuit and represents participating local running clubs.
Erika Edmonson
Committee Chair
Nick Bensen
Committee Member
Lance Caldwell
Committee Member
Brett Geschke
Committee Member
Scott Mangum
Committee Member
Doug Pearson
Committee Member
Brian Sweney
Committee Member
Chris Willis
Committee Member
Angelica Guerrero
Committee Member
