Registration opens March 1, 2021 at 10am

Summer Marathon Training

Overview

The marathon is challenging, but CARA's "Power of the Group" will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to successfully reach the finish line.

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As Chicago's premier group training program, we have helped tens of thousands of runners successfully complete their goals. Whether you're a newcomer or experienced runner, our program provides training plans that meet you where you're at.

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You will never have to go it alone. Your pace group leaders and fellow participants will give you the Power of the Group that has led CARA runners to the finish line more than any other program in Chicagoland running.

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Your training program is led by CARA coaches who have national certifications and years of proven coaching success long before we bring them into CARA.​​

Program Details

Program Benefits:

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• 18-week training plan with five options (Novice, Novice II, Intermediate, Advanced, and Run/Walk)

• Additional 6-week pre-season training guide to prepare you for the season

• Training guide and weekly education newsletters

• Video guided marathon tailored strength training plan

• Marathon Kick-Off Clinic and Final Miles Clinic

• Group training long Runs (Saturday & Sunday options) led by group leaders for 7:30 to 11:30 pace/per mile run, and 12:00 to 13:00 pace/per mile run/walk (paces may vary by location)

• Coach led track workouts (Wednesday's)

• Hydration support at training runs, including water and Gatorade Endurance

• Ready to Run 20 Miler entry included

• Included access to the Michelob Ultra Marathon VIP Experience on Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day

• Private toilet access at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon start corrals

• RushPT Injury Hotline

• CARA Training Tech Tank and Ready to Run 20 Miler Finishers Shirt

Target Race/s:

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• Bank of America Chicago Marathon

• Training plan adjustments are available for other fall marathons by request

Group Long Run Locations

CARA training group long runs are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Participants have access to all locations through the season and are not restricted to only their primary registration choice. (Click location maps for google map)

Group Track Workout Locations

CARA training group track workouts are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Participants have access to all locations through the season.

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• Wednesdays @ 6:00 a.m. at Lake Shore Park Track (Chicago)

• Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Christian College Track (Palos Heights)

• Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Gene Leonard Park (Oak Forest)

• Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Downers Grove South High School (Downers Grove)

• Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Ost Field Park Track (Palatine)

• Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Montrose Beach Wilson Track (Chicago)

Program Fees & Registration

Group Training: $219

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• Save $35 - 2021 CARA Supporter Level Members (Individual, Family, Student)

• Save $35 - Returner Discount (Return participants from 2018, 2019, or 2020)

• Member and returner discounts may be combined.

• Free / Discounted - Charity Runners (CARA partner charity team runners receive free or discounted training. Runners must request their team's code from their team leader.)

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Returners discount is for participants who have completed the program any of the following years - 2018, 2019, or 2020. Please e-mail  for a program returner discount.

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Members receive discount by logging in with membership username/password during registration.

Online registration payments are subject to a service fee by our registration provider. To avoid online payment fees, send a check for the amount owed to CARA, 1100 W. Cermak Rd. #231, Chicago, IL 60608. Provide full name, e-mail, phone number and note that check is for summer marathon training program fees. CARA will then contact to complete registration.

Volunteer

CARA training programs rely on dedicated volunteer site coordinators, group leaders, and coaches to support program participants, and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Site coordinators are recruited from experienced program group leaders. Those interested in becoming a site coordinator now, or in the future as openings are available, should contact CARA Director of Training Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).

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Group leaders are the backbone of CARA training programs. Group leaders keep runners safe, organized, on-pace, and motivated during training runs. Those interested becoming a group leader can learn more HERE.

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Coaches are needed to support CARA track workouts. Experienced coaches may be tabbed with leading a workout, where others can assist with workout organization and timing while learning. Those interested in becoming a coach or assistant coach should contact CARA Director of Training Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).​

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Hydration volunteers are needed to support hydration stations at training locations. Volunteers may volunteer for a single date, or a season. Interested volunteers should e-mail jillian@cararuns.org.

COVID-19 Safety

CARA has extensive operational preparedness plans to meet all safety and gathering guidelines provided by state and local authorities. Our plans have been widely accepted and were adopted by the Road Runners Clubs of America as a national framework for a return to group running during COVID-19.

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Participation expectations are as follows:

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• Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19.

• Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.

• Do not engage in traditional forms of physical contact (handshakes, high-fives, hugs, partner stretching, etc.).

• Do not engage in close group pictures/selfies.

• Do not spit or blow nose while running in the group. Must be away from others, and at least six feet away from others.

• Do not share personal items, such as hydration, energy gels, towels, etc.

• Participants must wear a mask or face covering while gathering pre- or post-run, and anytime they are within six feet of others. Runners may remove their face cover while running when they can maintain social distance.

• Participants are expected to self carry personal hydration (bottles/packs), and to use hydration stations for refill only.

• Participants must abide by local travel quarantine orders should they travel out-of-state during the program.

• Participants may be required to exit the group temporarily or permanently should their actions not meet expectations and or they are creating risk for themselves or others.