Next group run

Weekday, Saturday

Frequency
Multiple times per week

About This Club

CARA is Chicago's citywide running club and non-profit, built around training programs, races, education, and volunteering for over 10,000 members. It's set up for runners who want structure, whether you're working toward a first race or training for something specific, not just a casual weekly jog. You don't have to be a member to show up.

Highlights

  • Largest in Chicagoland
  • Over 10,000 members
  • 1,300 annual events
  • Non-profit advocacy
  • Training programs
  • Racing opportunities
  • Education
  • Volunteering

Who It Suits

This suits runners who want training programs, race prep, or a structured path into running, plus people interested in the education and volunteering side of things. It's not built for stroller runs or dog walks since it isn't stroller or dog friendly, and if you want one small, informal group rather than navigating program options, the size and structure here might feel like more than you need.

Free race emails

Get the Weekly RunSesh

Found your people? Now find the races. A Monday look ahead and a Thursday rundown of what's coming up near Chicago, so your crew always has a start line on the calendar.

Two helpful emails per week. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What a Run With Them Is Like

Runs happen multiple times a week, including weekday sessions and Saturdays, on roads and track. Because CARA runs multiple training programs rather than one single group, what your run actually looks like, pace, distance, route, depends on which program or session you sign up for. Walkers are welcome and it's set up for all skill levels, so the run itself flexes to the program you pick rather than one fixed format for everyone.

TerrainRoad, Track
Post-runSocial events

Your First Run

Start at cararuns.org and look at the Run With Us section before you show up, since CARA runs several programs and you'll want to know which one you're walking into. The home base is CARA Headquarters at 1540 S Ashland Ave, Suite 201, but your actual meeting point may depend on the specific program or event you've signed up for.

You don't need to be a member to participate, so there's no paperwork hurdle before your first run. Because it's beginner friendly and walkers are welcome, you're not walking into a group built only for fast, experienced runners.