Meet Circuit Runner of the month Steffen Uhrich! The overall male winner of this year’s Runners’ Choice Circuit, Steffen is both a fierce competitor and friendly face in the Chicago running scene. He is an active CARA member and part of the Fleet Feet Racing team. We asked Steffen several questions to get to know more about his running and involvement with CARA.
How did you get started in running?
I got started running as a very young kid watching my dad coach at Marquette University. I remember running around those track and cross country meets and wanting to be like the runners. My natural love for the sport grew into running more competitively in middle, high school, and college and will likely continue for many years to come.
What is your favorite local race?
The Shamrock Shuffle has been my favorite local race of 2019. It was a great way to start off the 2019 CARA Circuit. The competition level was absolutely phenomenal and there was the added benefit of running the team competition with my Fleet Feet teammates.
Have you had a favorite running moment from 2019?
My favorite running moment of 2019 was actually a collection of moments. I decided to race some track races this spring after not competing on the track since college. I had a blast returning to some shorter/quicker races in a different atmosphere than the roads but was happy to return to the CARA circuit after the track season was over.
Why do you enjoy being a CARA Member?
I love knowing that every CARA event I go to provides a quality experience. The CARA racing circuit offers well organized and good quality races and the CARA organization as a whole does a fantastic job of uniting the running community in the Chicagoland area.
What advice would you offer to a new runner or someone who wants to start running?
Start slow and let your interest build. Running is much more fun when you are excited and WANT to be out there doing it. Also, find a friend to run with. My best running memories have been with teammates and it makes it that much more enjoyable to get out the door when you are running with friends.
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The CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit returns in March of 2020! Keep an eye out for updates, announcements, and some exciting new race additions.
The Runners’ Choice Circuit offers Chicagoland runners a unique way to stay plugged in to some of Chicago’s top races and compete with other runners throughout the area.