This is a charity run tied to a large manufacturing trade show, so the crowd skews toward industry people rather than the usual road-race regulars. Entry fees go toward STEM education programs, with the show's organizers covering operational costs so the fundraising side goes further. The start area tends to mix fast runners with people who are simply there to support the cause.
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Join a local run club. CARA Run Crew, Second City Track Club, Venados Running Club and others in Chicago welcome runners of all paces, and a weekly group run is the most reliable way to hold a training block together.
