Training Programs
About
As Chicago's premier group training program, CARA has 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.​
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CARA offers six group training programs for marathon and half-marathon goals, along with corresponding virtual program options.
Marathon Training Programs
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Our Locations
CARA training programs are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Options at each location vary by program.
Chicago - Downtown
Monroe Harbor
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Chicago - Lincoln Park
Diversey Harbor
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Winter Half-Marathon Training
Winter Marathon Training
Spring Half-Marathon Training
Boston Performance
Chicago - Montrose
Montrose Beach
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Darien
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Libertyville
Old School Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Lisle
Morton Arboretum
Programs Offered
Winter Marathon Training
Spring Half-Marathon Training
Boston Performance
Niles
Bunker Hill Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Oak Forest
Yankee Woods
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Schaumburg
Busse Woods Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Wheaton
IL Prairie Path
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
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 can check out opportunities on our volunteer page.
Program Site Coordinators
CARA training programs led by expert site coordinators, as well as coaches, and CARA staff.
Betsy Balgooyen-Keller
CARA Downtown
Darren DeMatoff
CARA Montrose (Sunday)
Jacob Gaddie
CARA Montrose (6:30)
Brett Geschke
CARA Lincoln Park
Wes Iller
CARA Schaumburg
Keith Kijek
CARA Niles
Jim Laubsted
CARA Wheaton
Beth Levy
CARA Niles
Tera O'Malley
CARA Morton Arboretum
Ann Marie Phaneuf
CARA Darien
David Rovani
CARA Montrose (6am)
Christine Stearns-Muender
CARA Libertyville
Joe Werner
CARA Oak Forest
Lori Wright
CARA Morton Arboretum
Program Coaches
CARA coaches lead training program track workouts.
James Diamond
Head Coach
Manager of Training
Heather Zeigler
Coach
David Mauger
Coach