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Dates

Year Round

  • Saturday/Sunday - Long Runs

  • Wednesday - Track Workouts

Description

Group training program targeting the Chicago Racing Circuit. With a focus on developing regionally competitive runners in both open and masters categories.

Locations

Locations: 

Chicago, IL

Summer Sites: Downtown, Montrose Beach, Lincoln Park

Winter/Spring Site: Waveland

Overview

The CARA Racing Team experience is designed for athletes who are interested in taking their running career to the next level, while also serving as a leader within the community. We sponsor an Open Women, Open Men, Masters Men, and Masters Women's team. This is an application based program with limited roster space.

 

Racing team members will gain access to exclusive running gear and racing benefits. Team members are also called upon to be active members of the running community and volunteer at Go' Runs™, hydration stations and other CARA events. 

 

The goal of this team is to not only provide a competitive outlet for Chicagoland's strongest runners, but to also build community and connection between the beginner and elite elements of the sport.

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Mission Statement: 

The mission of the CARA Racing Team is to provide competitive opportunities and support for runners in the Chicagoland area.   

 

Vision Statement:

The CARA Racing Team strives to be a regional and national leader in competitive runner support, while providing volunteerism opportunities within the running community. Our team is dedicated to inspiring positive change and inspiration through the sport of running. 

 

Values:

The Chicago Area Runners Association is the largest running club in the Midwest, and one of the largest clubs in the country. CARA services runners from all backgrounds and ability levels. The CARA Racing Team is the organization’s endeavor to better reach high performing runners looking to benefit from the CARA group training model while also contributing to the Chicago running community.

registration
  • CARA Membership

  • Automatic entry to CARA Winter, Spring, and Summer Group Training Programs

  • CARA racing singlet

  • 2x annual gear items

  • Special CARA store discounts

  • Race reimbursement for four (4) Chicago Circuit Races

  • Complimentary entry to CARA owned races (PUMA's Chi-Town Miles, Miles Per Hour, Lakefront 10 Miler, Spring Trail Chase)

  • Top 3 runners in each division receive race reimbursement for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

  • Support for USATF XC Club Nationals 

  • Racing Team specific newsletters

  • Group training long run

  • Coach led track workouts (Wednesdays)

  • Rush Physical Therapy injury hotline​

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Target Race/s:

  • Chicago Racing Circuit Races

    • Race schedule can be found HERE

    • Other regionally or nationally significant races​

Requirements

CARA Racing Team members must fulfill volunteer hours through volunteering at one of our 33 'Go Run™ dates, a CARA hydration station, and one other CARA event.

 

Applicants must also meet the following team standards:

2024 Team Standards

Open Men

Marathon- 3:00:00

Half Marathon- 1:24:00

10,000m- 37:00

5,000m- 17:30

Mile- 5:00

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Men 40-49 

Marathon- 3:20:00

Half Marathon- 1:34:00

10,000m- 41:20

5,000m- 19:35

Mile- 5:30

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Men 50-59 

Marathon- 3:35:00

Half Marathon- 1:42:00

10,000m- 44:20

5,000m- 21:10

Mile- 6:00

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Men 60+ 

Marathon- 4:10:00

Half Marathon- 1:58:00

10,000m- 51:00

5,000m- 24:00

Mile- 6:0

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Open Women

Marathon- 3:30:00

Half Marathon- 1:40:00

10,000m- 43:30

5,000m- 20:40

Mile- 5:45

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Women 40-49

Marathon- 3:50:00

Half Marathon- 1:48:00

10,000m- 47:00

5,000m- 22:15

Mile- 6:20

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Women 50-59

Marathon- 4:05:00

Half Marathon- 1:55:00

10,000m- 51:20

5,000m- 24:20

Mile- 6:50

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Women 60-69

Marathon- 4:30:00

Half Marathon- 2:12:00

10,000m- 56:30

5,000m- 26:40

Mile- 7:40

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Summer Group Long Run Locations

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Chicago - Downtown

Monroe Harbor

Saturdays 6:00 a.m.

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Chicago - Lincoln Park

Diversey Harbor

Saturdays 6:00 a.m.

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Chicago - Montrose

Montrose Beach

Saturdays 6:00 a.m.

Saturdays 6:30 a.m.

Sundays 6:30 a.m.

Winter Group Long Run Locations

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Chicago - Waveland
Waveland Park

Saturdays 7:30 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. 2024 locations are listed below.

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  • Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Dunbar Park Track (Chicago)- Summer Only

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