The Chicago Area Runners Association, CARA, is a non-profit organization committed to serving and advocating for the local running community. With over 10,000 members, CARA is the nation’s third-largest local running organization, and for over 40 years, we have served as the voice of local runners.

 

CARA urges everyone to practice physical distancing and to commit to COVID-19 related running safety guidelines.

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CARA Program Guidelines:

CARA has extensive operational preparedness plans for its programs and events to meet all safety and gathering guidelines provided by state and local authorities. Our plans have been widely accepted and were adopted by the Road Runners Clubs of America as a national framework for a return to group running during COVID-19.

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Participation expectations will be as follows:

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• Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19.

• Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.

• Do not engage in traditional forms of physical contact (handshakes, high-fives, hugs, partner stretching, etc.).

• Do not engage in close group pictures/selfies.

• Do not spit or blow nose while running in the group. Must be away from others, and at least six feet away from others.

• Do not share personal items, such as hydration, energy gels, towels, etc.

• Participants must wear a mask or face covering while gathering pre- or post-run, and anytime they are within six feet of others. Runners may remove their face cover while running when they can maintain physical distance.

• Participants are expected to self carry personal hydration (bottles/packs), and to use hydration stations for refill only.

• Participants must abide by local travel quarantine orders should they travel out-of-state during the program.

• Participants may be required to exit the programs/events temporarily or permanently should their actions not meet expectations and or they are creating risk for themselves or others.

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Resources:

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IDPH Sport Guidance

City of Chicago Business Reopening Portal

City of Chicago Parks and Outdoor Recreation Guidelines

State of IL Outdoor Recreation Guidelines

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General CARA Running Safety Guidelines