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CARA Membership Benefits Summary

Whether you are training for a race, seeking the camaraderie and support of a running group, or looking to get involved and give back in your community, becoming a member of the Chicago Area Runners Association is a great way to support your running, and the work CARA provides to the Chicagoland running community. 

 

Your annual membership contribution supports CARA’s mission as a 501c3 not-for-profit to serve and advocate for the local running community, and to provide accessible opportunities for all runners to train, race, learn, be social and volunteer. All the while, providing you great member benefits! 


Join us, and enjoy not only what you receive, but also what you support for the local running community.

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All CARA memberships are ANNUAL and expire at the end of each CALENDAR YEAR.

Individual - $35

Supporter Level membership for one individual

Family - $65

Supporter Level membership for up to two adults and four students (24 & under), all residing in the same household.

Student - $15

Supporter Level membership for one individual full-time student age 24 & under.

2026 CARA Supporter Level Members:

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  • 2026 CARA Supporter Level Memberships are annual and expire on 12/31/26. Individual and family memberships will auto-renew unless canceled. 

  • Multi-Year memberships have been discontinued for 2026. Multi-Year memberships purchased in 2025 will not be affected and will expire on 12/31/26. 

  • Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Community Support & Advocacy

Membership directly impacts the local running community and empowers CARA to continue its long record of advocacy work

Exclusive Programs & Event Perks

Boston Bus & Marathon weekend

CARA Marathon VIP Experience

5 + 1 Hidden Gem Half Marathon

Training & Race Discounts

10-15% off CARA Training Programs

10% off CARA races

Over 100 local race discounts

Partner Discounts

Receive unique discounts from CARA partners

Early Access​​

Early registration access to CARA races (Miles Per Hour, Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K, Spring Trail Chase, Chi-Town Miles)

Accessibility

Membership dollars help fund our free programming; keeping running accessible to all ability levels

- 'Go Run™

- Run Crews

- Lakefront Hydration Stations

CARA Friend Level Membership

CARA Friend Level membership allows you to stay connected with the CARA community. Friend Level membership benefits include:

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  • Run Crews: CARA Run Crews offer weekday group runs and track workouts for members.

  • Racing: Eligibility for team scoring for the Chicago Racing Circuit.

  • Hotline: Access to the RUSH Physical Therapy Injury Hotline.

  • Newsletter: Digital subscription to the CARA Connection e-newsletter

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CARA Friend Level membership is provided FREE to all non-Supporter Level members when they register for any CARA program and event, including free registrations.

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