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CARA Membership Benefits Summary

Whether you are training for a race, seeking the camaraderie and support of a running group, or looking to get involved and give back in your community, becoming a member of the Chicago Area Runners Association is a great way to support your running, and the work CARA provides to the Chicagoland running community. 

 

Your annual membership contribution supports CARA’s mission as a 501c3 not-for-profit to serve and advocate for the local running community, and to provide accessible opportunities for all runners to train, race, learn, be social and volunteer. All the while, providing you great member benefits! 


Join us, and enjoy not only what you receive, but also what you support for the local running community.

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All CARA memberships are ANNUAL and expire at the end of each CALENDAR YEAR.

Individual - $35 (One-Year) / $65 (Two-Year)

Supporter Level membership for one individual

Family - $65 (One-Year) / $130 (Two-Year)

Supporter Level membership for up to two adults and four students (24 & under), all residing in the same household.

Student - $15

Supporter Level membership for one individual full-time student age 24 & under.

2025 CARA Supporter Level Members:

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  • 2025 CARA Supporter Level Memberships are annual and expire on 12/31/25. Individual and family memberships will auto-renew unless canceled. 

  • 2025 Multi-Year membership options expire on 12/31/26. Student memberships are not eligible for multi-year memberships.

  • Training program participation is not included with membership. A separate registration is required for training program access.

  • Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

You Support

  • The local running community and empowers CARA to continue its long record of advocacy work.

  • Free programming: keeping running accessible to all ability levels (Run Crew, ‘Go Run).

  • Hydration stations which serve over 1-million ounces  of water and Gatorade Endurance to the public. 

  • Better Races: CARA Race Certification and free race director clinics helping local races improve their safety and operational standards.

  • Education: Clinics from top experts to help runners gain the knowledge to take their running to new levels. 

Your Benefits

  • Community Support & Advocacy

  • Supporting Accessible Free Programming

  • CARA Training Discounts 

  • CARA Race Discounts

  • Local Race Discounts

  • Early Registration Access

  • Partner Discounts

  • Exclusive Programs & Event Perks

CARA Friend Level Membership

CARA Friend Level membership allows you to stay connected with the CARA community. Friend Level membership benefits include:

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  • Run Crews: CARA Run Crews offer weekday group runs and track workouts for members.

  • Racing: Eligibility for team scoring for the Chicago Racing Circuit.

  • Hotline: Access to the RUSH Physical Therapy Injury Hotline.

  • Newsletter: Digital subscription to the CARA Connection e-newsletter

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CARA Friend Level membership is provided FREE to all non-Supporter Level members when they register for any CARA program and event, including free registrations.

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