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Ready to Run 20 Miler

CARA Training Program runners, go HERE

​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 with beer

• 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

Registration Fees (REGISTER - General Registration)

• $49 - Through June 27

• $59 - Through August 1

• $69 - Through September 12

• $79 - Through September 16

• CARA Training Program runners must register at least 48 hours prior to picking up their packet to allow time for registration approval. Deadline 9/15 for final weekend pick-up.

• No Event Day Registration. Registration closes on Thursday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m.

• CARA Supporter Level members save 10%! (Discount credited automatically after member login on form)

• Waived Fee - CARA Summer Marathon Training Program Participants (REGISTER - Program Participants Only)

• Waived Fee - CARA Summer Marathon Training Program Group Leaders (REGISTER - Group Leaders Only)

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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 Geant 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 course map can be found HERE.

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Bib 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 or ID​

• Bib Pick-Up Schedule:

  • ​Saturday, September 11:

    • Running for Kicks Palos Heights (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

    • Xtra Mile Schaumburg (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

    • Fleet Feet Chicago - Lincoln Square (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

  • Friday, September 17:

    • Fleet Feet Chicago - South Loop (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

  • Saturday, September 18:

    • Fleet Feet Chicago - Old Town (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

    • Fleet Feet Deerfield (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

    • Fleet Feet Elmhurst (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.