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About
Everyone is welcome - Race, Run, Jog, Walk, Volunteer - 'Go Run™!
'Go Run™ is FREE and open to anyone in our effort to make running enjoyable and accessible to all, both newcomers, and long-time runners alike. Through 'Go Run™, CARA, and the Chicago Park District have an objective to activate neighborhood parks, build communities and encourage an active lifestyle through running and volunteerism.
Enjoy a free timed 5K and 1 Mile event at local parks around Chicago.
Schedule / Register
'Go Run™ travels to parks throughout Chicago. 'Go Run™ parks have included: 606 / Bloomingdale Trail, 63rd Street Beach Park, Big Marsh Park, Calumet Park, Columbus Park, Douglass Park, Garfield Park, Horner Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Marquette Park, River Park, and Warren Park.
Participants must register for each date they plan to attend. For each date:
Registration Opens: Friday @ 3:00 p.m. the week prior to each 'Go Run™
Registration Closes: Friday @ 2:00 p.m. the day prior to each 'Go Run™
Supporting Partner
Program Information
Cost
Free! 'Go Run™ is always free, but everyone must register for each 'Go Run™ they will participate in.
What to Expect
Expect a laid-back, welcoming, and hassle-free experience. There will be runners, joggers, and walkers of all experience levels. Whether you are new to running and walking or have been participating for years, 'Go Run™ welcomes you to take part.
Event Schedule
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8:15 a.m. - Check-In Opens
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8:55 a.m. - Check-In Closes
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9:00 a.m. - 5K and 1 Mile Start (No Late Starts Please)
Registration
Participants must register for each 'Go Run™ date they will attend, including children of all ages. Registration will be online. Online registration for each 'Go Run™ date will open on Friday at approx. 3:00 p.m., the week prior to each 'Go Run™, and will close when capacity (150 persons) is reached or Friday at 2:00 p.m. the day prior to each 'Go Run™ (whichever comes first).
Bib Number:
Participants must pick up a bib number prior to the event. Bib numbers reset every calendar year. Please do not participate with previous year's bib numbers. The 2023 bib is purple. All other bibs are no longer valid. While you must register for each 'Go Run™, please keep your bib number and bring it to each 'Go Run™. If you lose your bib, simply come to the blue tent and we will be happy to provide you with a new one.
Check-In Instructions
Please check-in at your first 'Go Run™ each calendar year. Come to the blue tent at 'Go Run™ and pick-up your bib number. You only need to check in once per calendar year unless you need a replacement bib.
Results / Timing
'Go Run™ is timed and results will be posted online at www.webscorer.com/cara. Results are not posted at the run. There are no competitive awards at 'Go Run™, however, all participants can complete participation challenges shown on the back of their bib number to earn a free 'Go Run™ shirt. See "CARA-Land" below.
Weather Policy
We will run/walk rain or shine. However, if there is lightning, other hazardous or extreme weather we will cancel or postpone.
Weather-related announcements will be made through the twitter feed at HERE.
General FAQ
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Minors: Those under 18 must have their parent or guardian sign the participation waiver. There is no age minimum to participate. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children.
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Dogs: If your dog is friendly and well behaved in large groups you’re welcome to bring your dog. Please have your dog on a leash, abide by all Chicago Park District regulations and also please line up behind other participants at the start.
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Strollers: Strollers are welcome, but for safety reasons those with strollers please line up behind other participants at the start. Through the run please stay aware of your surroundings as the park paths are not closed for these events.
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Wheelchairs: Please join us! Note: Some of our routes include some non-paved crossings or uneven pavement.
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Bikes / Skates: Please, no bikes, skates, skateboards or other wheeled devices other than wheelchairs or strollers.
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Lost Bib-Number: No problem. Come to the blue tent and we will give you another one.
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Notice: 'Go Run™ reserves the right to deny or cancel a registration when deemed necessary.
Questions / Contact
Email: info@cararuns.org
Raise funds as a Team CARA charity runner at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
At CARA we know running is more than sport; running changes lives! The funds you raise as a Team CARA charity runner allow CARA to remove the barriers associated with getting involved in organized running, so everyone has access to the incredible benefits running offers.
Race to the finish of "CARA-Land" to win a free 'Go Run™ shirt! Your CARA-Land game board is on the back of your 'Go Run™ bib. Move forward on the board by earning finisher points at each 'Go Run™.
Earn 2 finisher points for finishes at Warren Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Horner Park, Columbus Park, and Marquette Park. Earn 3 points at all other parks.
Double your points by completing challenges: 1.) First 'Go Run™ finish of the 2023 season., 2.) Bring a friend or family member to 'Go Run™., 3.) Achieve a new personal best time., 4.) Finish on a cold (<50) or rainy day.
Keep track of your points after each 'Go Run™ and mark your bib with a marker. Once you have reached the finish, come to the blue tent to redeem your shirt.
Note: Points do not carry over from previous seasons.
CARA-Land!
Volunteer
Individuals: 'Go Run™ relies on volunteers at each 'Go Run™ to help with check-in, registration, start/finish line, hydration, and course marshaling. No experience is needed. Volunteer shifts are generally 8:00am to 10:15am at each 'Go Run™. To volunteer, click the sign-up button below. All dates open for sign-up will be shown. Additional dates are added through the season.
Groups: Groups interested in volunteering should e-mail dominique@cararuns.org.
Leadership Team: Interested in being part of our leadership team? The 'Go Run™ leadership team is a dedicated team that leads 'Go Run™ program outreach, as well as important operational areas at each 'Go Run™. Leadership team members should have previous experience volunteering and/or participating with 'Go Run™. Leadership team members should be able to volunteer at 'Go Run™ routinely, with an average of at least two 'Go Runs per month. Interested persons should contact CARA Community Development Manager Dominique Sabbs (dominique@cararuns.org) with their interest.
Program Leadership
'Go Run™ is led by a dedicated leadership team, along with CARA staff, and Chicago Park District support.
Dan Kolody
Leadership Team
Elizabeth Chapin-Palder
Leadership Team
George Meija
Leadership Team
