Question 1

What training level is needed to participate?

Accepted Answer

CARA has a proven record of serving beginning runners, and long-time runners alike. Before starting our Novice Plan, we recommend that you can complete 3-4 runs per week, including at least one run of 6 miles at a pace of at least 13 minutes per mile.   A 6-week pre-season training guide will be provided to assist in your preparations for the beginning of the training program.

Question 2

How old do I need to be to participate?

Accepted Answer

Runners must be 18 years or older to participate in group training.

Question 3

May I run with a stroller at training runs?

Accepted Answer

No, participants may not run with strollers at training runs?

Question 4

May I run with a pet at training runs?

Accepted Answer

No, participants may not run with pets at training runs.

Question 5

When and where is packet pick-up?

Accepted Answer

Packet Pickup Information & Locations: Packet Pickup Starts Saturday, May 28th except at Running for Kicks location. Packet pickup will run from Saturday May 28th - Sunday June 19th. Packet pickup is available during all normal business hours. Check on your pickup locations websites for specific store hours and location.   Fleet Feet Ole Town: ​Fleet Feet Lincoln Square: Fleet Feet South Loop: Fleet Feet Deerfield: Fleet Feet Elmhurst: Peak Running Burr Ridge: Xtra Mile Schaumburg: Running for Kicks Palos Heights: (May 26th 4-7pm only)   *Note* Mercy Home Runners will have an opportunity to pick up in-person on June 1st. Contact Mercy Home for details.

Question 6

Can my packet be mailed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may select packet mailing for a fee during registration. To add packet mailing later, login to your participant account and add option. Packets will be mailed closer to the start of the program.

Question 7

What is the program's weather policy?

Accepted Answer

We will run/walk rain or shine. However, if there is lightning or other hazardous weather we will cancel or postpone. Our full weather policy and weather alerts are HERE.

Question 8

Is there a CARA member discount?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a 15% member discount is applicable to CARA Supporter Level members (Individual, Family or Student packages) with an active membership for the program year.   We reccomend joining or renewing prior to program registration to allow for immediate member benefits and discounts.

Learn more about CARA Supporter Level member benefits and join/renew HERE.

Question 9

Is there an past-participant discount?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A $35 program returner discount is for past participants of the previous three seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021). E-mail info@cararuns.org to request your returners discount code beginning March 1.

Question 10

Are there discounts for charity runners?

Accepted Answer

Yes.   Members of Team CARA (CARA's charity team) receive free training through CARA when fundraising for the target race or other pre-approved race. CARA's charity team leader will provide a special discount code to team members. Learn more HERE.   CARA partners with nearly 50 different local and national charities. Members of any charity team should contact their charity's team leader to see if their charity has partnered with CARA to receive free or discounted training program fees and if so, to receive instruction to register for free or discounted training rates. Team's not currently partnered with CARA may reach out to mary@cararuns.org.   As part of our mission, CARA provides over $65,000 in subsidized training for charity team runners each year. A special discount code is needed for charity team discounts.

Question 11

Can I cancel my registration?

Accepted Answer

Participants may choose to voluntarily exit the program by the date two weeks prior to the start date of the program (May 23, 2022). Those who exit may receive a full credit of fees paid towards any single future CARA program or event of any kind of equal or lesser value. Credit valid through the end of the following calendar year. To exit the program, e-mail training@cararuns.org.   No refunds will be issued for any reason, including injury, illness, change in availability, or changes to target race.

Question 12

Can I enter the program after the start date?

Accepted Answer

Yes, participants are welcomed to enter the program late. The deadline for registration is 4 weeks prior to the program's end date.    Fees are not prorated for late entry.

Question 13

Can I participate at multiple locations and with multiple pace groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes, during registration participants are asked to select a training location and training pace group. However, participants may participate at and or visit any site and with any pace group. No notification to CARA is needed to change locations or pace groups.

Registration now open!

Summer Marathon Training

Dates

Description

Locations

Overview

Program Details

Group Long Run Locations

Chicago - Downtown

Monroe Harbor

Chicago - Lincoln Park

Diversey Harbor

Chicago - Montrose

Montrose Beach

Darien

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Libertyville

Old School Forest Preserve

Niles

Bunker Hill Forest Preserve

Oak Forest

Yankee Woods

Schaumburg

Busse Woods Forest Preserve

Wheaton

IL Prarie Path / Mariano's

Group Track Workout Locations

Program Fees & Registration

Volunteer

COVID-19 Safety