In Memory of CARA Member Laura Maslanka

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of CARA Member Laura Maslanka, 46. Over the past 5 years, Laura has been a leader not only with CARA, but with the entire Chicago fitness community. 

Laura was an active CARA member, contributing to our community through her friendship and service of others. After participating in CARA Training, Laura stepped up to become the site coordinator for the Waveland Long Run Site, a volunteer commitment that occupied every Saturday morning from November to May each year. As a site coordinator, she changed lives by shepherding hundreds of runners in route to achieving their goals, whether it was completing their first half marathon or achieving a hard-fought Boston Qualifier. 

Her impact was felt outside of training as well. She was a key volunteer at Miles Per Hour, and at CARA’s Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K. She was also an aid station captain at CARA’s Ready to Run 20 Miler. Her leadership at those events touched the lives of thousands of runners. Laura was a major contributor in helping advance CARA’s mission, through her eagerness to help others and desire to change people’s lives through running and community. 

While it pains us to say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing the positive impact Laura made will continue to live on within the CARA community.

Death leaves a heartache, no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.  

-Richard Puz

"Laura's contributions to CARA over the years were numerous and they made a big impact. She brought a great spirit to our training and events and was always willing to help CARA in any way. Her site leadership and volunteerism were a blessing. She will truly be missed." - Tim Bradley, CARA Executive Director

"I served as a site coordinator with Laura for Winter Marathon Training in 2021 and 2022. She was always smiling, welcoming, and inclusive. She was easy to talk to and excited for the day’s run. Going from seeing her every Saturday morning to her being gone is jarring. It’s a reminder to cherish each day and to hold our loved ones tight. I will remember Laura fondly as a bright and happy person who loved to run and who loved her dog. Laura was a wonderful part of CARA’s community and we already miss her." -Brett Geschke

"In 2022, I had just moved back to Chicago and had been advised by a friend to join CARA. Laura was the site coordinator and 8:30 pace leader for the Spring Half Marathon Training. Even though we had a small group that spring, it didn't feel like it because we always had great conversations! I would give Laura a lot of credit for sticking with CARA these last few years: she was exactly the sort of person you would want to meet both as a running buddy and as a volunteer. We ran together for another half marathon training when she was dealing with an injury, and I wish we could have had more runs together. I miss her." - Jane Simpson