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SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Ready to Run 20 Miler

CARA Training Program runners, go HERE

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Date & Time

Sunday, September 17, 2023

6:30 a.m.

Description

Fully-supported 20 Mile run with a unique point-to-point course along Chicago's lakefront

Location

Start: Montrose Wilson Track

Lake Shore Dr. & Wilson Dr.

Chicago, IL 60640

​Amenities

  • A fully-supported 20 miler to complete your marathon training.

  • Beautiful point-to-point lakefront course from Montrose Beach to Jackson Park, including post-race shuttle back to the start.

  • Pace groups from 7:30 to 11:30 run, and 12:00 to 13:00 run/walk.

  • Aid Stations every ~2 miles with water and Gatorade Endurance.

  • Gear check transported from start to finish

  • Unique Short Sleeve Finishers' Shirt

  • Custom Designed Keepsake Bib

  • Professional announcing by Chicago running legend Dave Kappas!

  • Post-race celebration

  • Free digital photo downloads

  • City and Suburban Packet Pick-Up Options

Event Details

Event Day Schedule

  • 5:45 a.m. - Venue open

  • 6:20 a.m. - Deadline to report to Start Wave

  • 6:30 a.m. - Start​ Waves Begin

Event Day Updates

  • As of Thursday afternoon (September 15th) construction has started on our traditional pedestrian underpass that we use to access the finish area.

  • Runners will now have to be routed to the pedestrian underpass at 57th Drive. 

  • Runners will no longer have to loop around Promontory Point.

  • For those who have friends or family members coming to see you at the finish, the park entrance off Dusable Lake Shore Drive is also impacted by construction and a detour down to Marquette Drive must be taken to access the finish line area.

  • Spectators may be dropped off but parking is now extremely limited in the area. See maps below.

 

Updated Course Map: HERE

Jackson Park Driving Detour Map: HERE

 

Note: There is NO Bears game this year during Ready to Run, but we do anticipate slower than normal traffic due to the construction in and around Jackson Park. 

2022 Registration Fees 

  • $49 - Through July 10 

  • $65 - Through August 7

  • $75 - Through September 4

  • $85 - Through September 15

  • CARA Training Program runners must register at least 48 hours prior to picking up their packet to allow time for registration approval. Deadline 9/14 for final weekend pick-up.

  • Registration is closed.

  • General Registration - Includes 10% discount for CARA Supporter Level members (Discount credited automatically after member login on form)

  • Summer Marathon Training Program Participants Only - Waived Fee for CARA Summer Marathon Training Program Participants

  • Group Leaders Only Waived Fee for CARA Summer Marathon Training Program Group Leaders

Course

  • No loops! The Ready to Run 20 Miler features a point-to-point course, starting at the Montrose Wilson Track on the north end of the Lakefront Trail and finishing on the south end of the Lakefront Trail at Jackson Park. A shuttle is available to bring runners back to start line parking, as well as a Grant Park downtown stop.

  • Aid Stations: There will be on-course aid stations approximately every 2 miles. Each on-course aid station will offer both water and Gatorade Endurance. The aid stations near mile 10 and mile 13 will also serve Gatorade Energy Gels. Each aid station will also have access to restrooms or portable toilet units nearby. Most aid stations will have full medical support on-site.

  • Map: The UPDATED course map can be found HERE.

Bib Number Pick-Up :

  • ​Participants MUST pick up their bib prior to race day. Finishers shirts are provided at the event, immediately after completing the run.

  • Packet mailing is available during registration or may be added by logging into your participant account. (Deadline to order is September 3rd)

  • NO RACE DAY BIB PICK-UP.

  • Friends and family may pick up for a participant with a copy (printed or digital) of the participant's confirmation email or check in pass. 

 

Pick-Up Schedule: (Read dates and times carefully) 

For questions email: info@cararuns.org

 

Fleet Feet: Old Town

Saturday, September 17, 2022 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

 

Fleet Feet: Elmhurst

Saturday, September 17, 2022 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Travel

  • Location:

    • Start Line: Montrose Wilson Track (Wilson Drive and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago)​

    • Finish Line: Jackson Park Grove 19a/b (Hayes Drive and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago)

  • Additional travel information (directions, parking, rideshare, bike/DIVVY) may be found in the Participant Guide (Available by September 1)

Finish Cut-Off

  • Participants must finish within five (5) hours after the last on-time start (15-minute pace per mile).

  • Aid stations and course marshals will support a 15 minute pace per mile at each location.

Start Wave Assignments / Procedures

  • Procedures have been designed to fully meet local gathering and safety guidelines for events.

  • The event reserves the right to adjust procedures based on participation levels and or for changes in gathering guidelines or procedures.

  • CARA training group leaders will lead pace groups.

Post-Run Shuttle

  • Buses will transport runners between the finish line (Jackson Park) and the starting line (Montrose Beach-Wilson Parking Lot) after the run. Buses will go directly to the start line with no stops on the way.

  • A limited number of additional buses will provide a route directly to a downtown stop in the Grant Park area.

  • ​Buses from the finish to the start will depart approximately every 15 minutes beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m.

  • Buses from the finish to downtown will depart approximately every 30 minutes beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m.

  • Runner transport buses are for participants only. Friends and family will not be permitted to ride buses.

 

Gear Check

  • Gear check will be available at the start line. Gear will be transported to the finish line for pickup. Runners will need their race bib as identification to retrieve their checked gear.

  • Please use any bag that is of standard backpack or duffle bag size. Please attach your gear check tag (from your race bib) prior to checking your bag (zip ties will be provided).

  • We are unable to provide a covered gear check. Please plan accordingly in case of inclement weather. If wet weather is forecast, we recommend using a waterproof bag for your gear check.

register

Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering for Ready 2 Run 20 Miler, please contact Evan DeBock at evan@cararuns.org

Volunteer
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