The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), announces the selections for the 2020 CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit. The Circuit provides a competitive structure for area runners and has long been a source of camaraderie for local runners with each other and between local running clubs.
The 2020 Circuit kicks-off early this year with a longtime running community favorite, the Cary March Madness Half Marathon on March 15th. Hosted by the Hillstriders Running Club in Cary, Ill., this half marathon sells-out yearly on its first day of registration (Dec. 31st). Mark your calendars for both this event, and for the important registration date!
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K (March 22 in Chicago) closes out the first month of the Circuit with one of the most competitive, and prestigious events on the schedule.
CARA’s Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler (April 18 in Chicago), and the Oak Park Runners Club’s Good Life Race 5K (April 26 in Oak Park) make up the Circuit’s slate of races for the month of April. This year’s Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler has also been selected by the Road Runner’s Club of America as its 10-Mile National Championship event.
May and June will be made up with a familiar set of races as the Circuit returns to the Quarryman Challenge 10 Miler (May 9 in Lemont), Soldier Field 10 Mile (May 23 in Chicago), the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 10K (June 6 in Wheaton) and the Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate 5K (June 21 in Evanston).
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). The circuit will take a new turn this year with the first-ever Chi-Town Miles (July 25* in Chicago). The event will feature a series of one-mile races on the track, with races beginning in the afternoon, concluding with the fastest sections run under the lights. Expect a high energy test of your speed, with a fun and exciting atmosphere for both racing and spectating.
In September, Circuit runners will experience one of 2019’s most talked-about new races, the Hidden Gem Half Marathon (September 12 in Flossmoor). In its first year “The Gem” attracted competitive fields on a beautiful road course.
October will conclude the Circuit schedule with an incredible world-class event, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Oct. 11 in Chicago). Then final points will be on the line in Lake Bluff at the PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K (Oct. 24 in Lake Bluff).
Two additional race announcements are expected soon to complete the 15 race series.
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 finish at least five Circuit races may also earn the “Circuit 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.
2020 CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit Schedule:
March 15 - Cary March Madness Half Marathon (Cary)
March 22 - Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K (Chicago)
April 18 - CARA’s Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler (Chicago)
April 26 - The Good Life Race 5K (Oak Park)
May 9 - Quarryman Challenge 10 Miler (Lemont)
May 23 - Soldier Field 10 Mile (Chicago)
June 6 - Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 10K (Wheaton)
June 21 - Race Against Hate 5K (Evanston)
July 4 - Elmhurst Running Club’s 4 on the 4th 4 Mile (Elmhurst)
July 25 (*tentative date) - Chi-Town Miles (Chicago)
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September 12 - Hidden Gem Half Marathon (Flossmoor)
October 11- Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago)
October 24 - Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K (Lake Bluff)