The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), announces the selections for the 2023 CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit. The Circuit provides a competitive structure for Chicago area runners and has long been a source of camaraderie for local runners with each other and between local running clubs.
The 2023 Circuit will kick off with the return of a Chicago favorite, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k on March 26.
CARA’s Lakefront 10 Miler (April 16 in Chicago) and the Oak Park Runners Club Good Life Race 5K (April 30 in Oak Park) make up the Circuit’s slate of races for the month of April.
May and June will be made up with a familiar set of races with CARA’s Spring Trail Chase 10k (May 21 in Lemont), the Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5K (June 18 in Evanston), and the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 (June 4).
Circuit runners will kick off July with a longtime favorite, the Elmhurst Running Club’s 4 on the 4th 4 Mile (July 4 in Elmhurst). CARA’s Chi-Town Miles (July 29 in Chicago) will also return to the Circuit, allowing runners the opportunity to test their speed on the track in this series of one-mile races.
In September, Circuit runners will get to return for the Hidden Gem Half Marathon (September 9 in Flossmoor).
October will bring the world-class Bank of America Chicago Marathon (October 8) and the well received Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K in Lake Bluff (October 28).
New to 2023, runners will close out the circuit at the Fast Track Cross Country 5K (November 12 in Schaumburg) to chase after their final points with a true, cross country style meet.
Circuit races are chosen annually by members through representatives on the CARA’s Race Committee. The Race Committee considers the input of CARA’s membership, local running club leaders, and race survey feedback received.
Runners of all levels participate annually in CARA Circuit Races to chase personal and competitive goals, to complement their year-long training programs, and to enjoy the camaraderie of the CARA running community. Both individual and club awards are offered. Runners who complete the minimum number of Circuit races may also earn the “CARA Racing Award.”
Runners do not need to register to be included in circuit scoring, except in Clydesdale/Athena categories. Runners are tracked and scored automatically, and at the end of the season runners are eligible to receive awards during CARA’s annual Awards Party. CARA Supporter Level membership is required for individual award eligibility.
2023 CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit Schedule
Sunday, March 26 - Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K (Chicago)
Sunday, April 16 - CARA’s Lakefront 10 Miler (Chicago)
Sunday, April 30 - The Good Life Race 5k (Oak Park)
Sunday, May 7 - RACE TBD
Sunday, May 21 - Spring Trail Chase 10k (Lemont)
Sunday, June 4 - Bank of America Chicago 13.1 (Chicago)
Sunday, June 18 - Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5k (Evanston)
Tuesday, July 4 - Elmhurst Running Club’s 4 on the 4th (Elmhurst)
Saturday, July 29 - Chi-Town Miles 1 Mile (Chicago)
Sunday, August 20 - RACE TBD
Saturday, September 9 - Hidden Gem Half Marathon (Flossmoor)
Sunday, October 8 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago)
Saturday, October 28 - Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K (Lake Bluff)
Sunday, November 12 - Fast Track Cross Country 5K (Schaumburg)
Schedule subject to change. Any additional races added to the 2023 Circuit will be announced separately