2026 Chicago Racing Circuit Schedule Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CHICAGO – The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) is excited to announce the complete schedule for the 2026 Chicago Racing Circuit. Key races were previously announced in October of 2025. The remaining selections have now been finalized. Since 1979, the Circuit has provided Chicago’s running community with a competitive structure that celebrates performance, consistency, and camaraderie across local races. In 2026, the Circuit will once again feature 15 races throughout the city and suburbs, bringing together runners, teams, and clubs for another exciting year of competition.

New Race in 2026:

CARA is excited to welcome the Ridge Run 10K to the Circuit for the 2026 season. This will be the first time the Circuit returns to the roads for a 10K since the 2024 season. Ridge Run is a competitive race, which already features a team competition that we are excited to be a part of. This Memorial Day run coincides with the Beverly/Morgan Park Memorial Day Parade which starts after the conclusion of the race.

2026 Chicago Racing Circuit Schedule:

Sunday, March 15 - March Madness Half Marathon (Cary)

Sunday, March 22 - Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K (Chicago)

Sunday, April 12 - CARA Lakefront 10 Miler (Chicago)

Sunday, April 26- Good Life Race 5K (Oak Park)

Sunday, May 17 - CARA Spring Trail Chase 10K (Lemont)

Monday, May 25 - Ridge Run 10K (Chicago)

Sunday, June 7 - Bank of America Chicago 13.1 (Chicago)

Sunday, June 21 - Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5K (Evanston)

Saturday, July 4 - Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th (Elmhurst)

Saturday, July 18 - Chi-Town Miles 1-Mile (Chicago)

Sunday, August 16 - Alpine races 10 Mile (Lake Zurich)

Saturday, September 12 - Hidden Gem Half Marathon (Flossmoor)

Sunday, October 11 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago)

Saturday, October 24 - Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K (Lake Bluff)

Sunday, November 8 - Fast Track Cross Country 3 Mile (Schaumburg)

Scoring:

Illinois runners are automatically tracked as they complete Circuit Races and scored toward the following award categories: Overall Female; Overall Male; Non-Binary/Genderqueer; Age Groups; Age Graded; Clydesdale/Athena; Clubs/Teams.

However, participants in the Clydesdale/Athena categories must register separately HERE. To qualify for awards, all runners must hold a CARA Supporter Level membership by July 1st.

Runners can earn the CARA Racing Award one of two ways:

Option 1 - Completing three CARA races: Miles Per Hour, Lakefront 10 Miler or 5K, Spring Trail Chase 10K, or Chi-Town Miles

Option 2 - Completing five Circuit Races.

Compete as a Team:

All competing CARA members will score at the end of the season as individuals. However, you can also compete on a Circuit Team. Visit the CARA website to see participating teams to find a club in your area to join!

To learn more about the Chicago Racing Circuit and how to get involved, visit cararuns.org/circuit