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CARA Supporter Level Membership
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.
2024 CARA Supporter Level Members:
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2024 CARA Supporter Level Memberships are annual and expire on 12/31/24. Individual and family memberships will auto-renew unless canceled.
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2024 Multi-Year membership options expire on 12/31/25. Student memberships are not eligible for multi-year memberships.
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Training program participation is not included with membership. A separate registration is required for training program access.
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Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
You Support
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​Advocacy: CARA has a mission to serve and advocate for the running community. We've been the voice of Chicagoland running since 1978 with countless successes including successfully calling for the re-opening of the Lakefront Trail and 606 Trail in 2020, and the Lakefront Trail separation project completed in 2018.
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Community Service: From park clean-ups, trail improvements, community events, and volunteering, CARA serves Chicagoland's entire community.
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Removing Barriers: Making running more accessible through the neighborhood park-based ‘Go Run program, which provides free and welcoming 5K and 1 Mile events in underserved parks and our CARA Run Crews which are expanding opportunities to connect with organized running groups around Chicagoland.
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Charity Running: Providing resources and support for charity teams, including over $65,000 in subsidized training for charity runners. CARA charity runners raise over $1-million per year for local and national charities.
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Hydration: Hydration stations along the Lakefront Trail and at six different suburban trailheads serve up to 20,000 cups of water and Gatorade Endurance on a given weekend.
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Better Races: CARA Race Certification and race director clinics and education, helping local races improve their safety and operational standards.
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Education: Clinics and resources from top experts to help runners gain the knowledge to take their running to new levels.
Your Benefits
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Local Race Discounts: Discounts for over 120 local races. Top discounts typically included favorites such as the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Soldier Field 10 Mile, Chicago Half Marathon, F^3 Half Marathon, Ragnar, CARA Circuit races, and many more!
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CARA Events: 10% discount on all CARA events (up to $35 per event) including the Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K, Ready to Run 20 Miler, Marathon VIP, Miles Per Hour, and Chi-Town Miles.
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CARA Training: 15% discount on all CARA training programs (up to $35 per program), including our popular summer marathon training program.
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Run Crews: CARA Run Crews offer weekday group runs and track workouts for members.
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Partner Discounts and Offers: Offers from partners like Fleet Feet ($10 gift certificate)
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Racing: Private gear check, race discounts, and awards eligibility for the Chicago Racing Circuit.
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Hotline: Access to the RUSH Physical Therapy Injury Hotline.
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Online Tools: Access to an online member account.
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Newsletter: Digital subscription to the CARA Connection e-newsletter
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PUMA Discount: CARA members receive an exclusive 20% discount on running and training gear during promotional periods throughout the year.
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.
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Racing: Eligibility for team scoring for the Chicago Racing Circuit.
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Hotline: Access to the RUSH Physical Therapy Injury Hotline.
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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.