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CARA Launches New Community Partner Program

  • Writer: CARAruns
    CARAruns
  • Jan 13
  • 2 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


CHICAGO – The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) is launching a new community partnership pilot for the 2026 racing season, developed in collaboration with our Outreach & Inclusion Committee, aimed to build access, belonging, and shared momentum across Chicago's running community.


The Run With CARA: Community Partner Program is a year-long pilot designed to build intentional, mutually beneficial relationships with Chicago-based running organizations. Through this program, CARA will offer a limited number of complimentary race entries across multiple CARA races in 2026, while partner organizations help expand awareness, participation, and connection to CARA programs.


The pilot begins with Miles Per Hour in February, but participation extends across the full 2026 CARA race calendar, including:

  • Miles Per Hour – February 8, 2026

  • Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K – April 12, 2026

  • Spring Trail Chase 10K – May 17, 2026

  • Chi-Town Miles – July 18, 2026

  • Ready to Run 20 Miler - September 20, 2026


As a Run With CARA Community Partner, your organization would receive:

  • Five (5) complimentary bibs per designated CARA race during the 2026 season

  • A dedicated CARA liaison (Dominique Sabbs) for coordination and support

  • The opportunity to help shape how CARA builds long-term community partnerships


In return, we ask partner groups to:

  • “Distribute” complimentary bibs equitably, prioritizing, when possible

  • Encourage additional members to register for CARA races beyond the free entries

  • Share CARA opportunities (races, 'Go Runs, volunteering) within your network

  • Provide brief feedback throughout the season to help us learn and improve


We are excited to explore this partnership with numerous clubs in 2026.


CARA is Chicago's oldest and largest running community, providing accessible opportunities for all runners to learn, be social, volunteer, train and race.


We are a non-profit organization committed to serving and advocating for the running community.


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