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Sign up!
Dates
June 5 to October 8, 2023
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Saturday/Sunday - Long Runs
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Wednesday - Track Workouts
Description
Group training program targeting the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and other fall marathons
Locations
City Locations: Downtown, Montrose Beach, Lincoln Park
Suburban Locations: Darien, Libertyville, Niles, Oak Forest, Schaumburg, Wheaton
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.
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.
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.
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.
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6-week pre-season training guide to prepare you for the season
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18-week training plan with six options (Run/Walk, Novice I, Novice II, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced II - NEW!)
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Training guide and weekly education newsletters
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Video guided marathon strength training plan
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Group training long Runs
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(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. Full list of paces and locations offered HERE
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Coach led track workouts (Wednesdays)
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Hydration support at training runs: Water and Gatorade Endurance
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Ready to Run 20 Miler entry included (For in-person group training and virtual local options only)
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Access to the Marathon VIP Experience on Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day
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Private toilet access at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon start corrals
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CARA Training Tank and Ready to Run 20 Miler Finishers Shirt
Important Program Dates:
May 27th: Packet Pickup Begins
June 5th: Training program begins
June 7th: First group track workout
June 10th: First group long run
June 25th: Packet Pickup Ends
September 17: Ready to Run 20 Miler
October 8th: CARA Marathon VIP and Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Packet Pickup Dates & Locations:
Packet pick-up is available at any of the following locations listed below (except Running for Kicks) from May 27 to June 25 during all business hours: Running For Kicks Palos Heights will have select dates and times for pickup.
All Business Hours
All Business Hours
All Business Hours
All Business Hours
All Business Hours
All Business Hours
All Business Hours
Thursday, June 1 (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.) - Running For Kicks Palos Heights
Target Race/s:
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon
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Training plan adjustments are available for other fall marathons by request. Email training@cararuns.org
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). 2023 training sites are listed below.
Chicago - Downtown
Monroe Harbor
Saturdays 6:00 a.m.
Chicago - Lincoln Park
Diversey Harbor
Saturdays 6:00 a.m.
Chicago - Montrose
Montrose Beach
Saturdays 6:00 a.m.
Saturdays 6:30 a.m.
Sundays 6:30 a.m.
Darien
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Saturdays 7:00 a.m.
Libertyville
Old School Forest Preserve
Saturdays 6:45 a.m.
Niles
Bunker Hill Forest Preserve
Saturdays 7:00 a.m.
Oak Forest
Yankee Woods
Saturdays 6:50 a.m.
Schaumburg
Busse Woods Forest Preserve
Saturdays 6:30 a.m.
Wheaton
IL Prarie Path / Mariano's
Saturdays 6:15 a.m.
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. 2023 locations are listed below.
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 a.m. at Lake Shore Park Track (Chicago)
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Wednesdays @ 5:30 p.m. at Shepard High School Track (Palos Heights)
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Jr. High School (Woodridge)
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Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Ost Field Park Track (Palatine)
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Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Montrose Beach Wilson Track (Chicago)
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 Executive Director Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).
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.
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 Executive Director Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).
Hydration Volunteers are needed to support hydration stations at training locations. Volunteers may volunteer for a single date, or a season. Interested volunteers can check out opportunities on our volunteer page.
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