CHICAGO – The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) kicks off its event schedule for the year with Toyota Miles Per Hour on February 9th. The event is a 1-hour run inside the McCormick Place convention center and features a course running through the Chicago Auto Show floor. Over 700 runners are signed up for the race, setting a new registration record in its 4th edition. Along with Miles Per Hour, CARA continues to provide some of the most unique racing experiences for Chicago area runners. In 2025, their schedule will once again feature a 1-hour run, a 10-Miler & 5K race, a 10K trail race, a 1-Mile track race, and a point-to-point 20-Mile training run. The diversity in events allows participants to experience different types of racing and training experiences, and no two events are alike.
Toyota Miles Per Hour: (February 9th)
Taking place on the first weekend of the Chicago Auto Show each year, this event features the rarely contested 1-hour run, which provides a one-of-a-kind fitness challenge to runners to see how many miles they can cover in the 60-minute time frame. The all-indoor run has gained a loyal following over the last few years and will draw a record crowd for this year’s race.
Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K: (April 13th)
CARA’s original race started back in 1978, the same year CARA was founded. The race has gone through several iterations over the decades but still features the classic view of the lakefront and includes a unique track finish for participants.
Spring Trail Chase 10K: (May 18th)
Started in 2021, the race heads into its 5th year and is the only trail race featured on the Chicago Racing Circuit. Taking place at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, the race offers runners a chance to escape the pavement and run a 10K with shade on a crushed limestone trail.
PUMA’s Chi-Town Miles: (July 19th)
The event heads into just its 6th year in 2025 and already has become a local favorite. History was made last year as Chandler Gibbens ran the first sub 4-minute mile outdoors in Chicago. The event welcomes all ability levels to take to the track and see how they fare in the classic 1-mile distance.
Ready to Run 20 Miler: (September 21st)
While officially a training run, this event features a point-to-point run along the Lakefront Trail as runners prepare for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and other fall races. The run always takes place three weeks out from the Chicago Marathon, where runners cover the 20-mile distance and are welcomed into “Taper Town” at the finish line.
PUMA’s Marathon VIP Experience: (October 12th)
One of CARA's most popular events, runners can feel like true VIP’s on marathon day with a comfortable, climate-controlled, indoor space at the Palmer House Hilton to relax pre- and post-race. The event features private indoor gear check, a private toilet area near the race start corrals, indoor restrooms, photo opportunities, and post-race refreshments, snacks, and recovery stretching and NormaTec Boots by Rush Physical Therapy.
For more information on all of CARA events and programs visit cararuns.org