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Chicago Area Runners Association

4.5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Cost varies · RRCA member club in Chicago, Illinois

RRCA memberVerifiedBeginner-friendlyTrailMarathon trainingTrack / speed

Club at a glance

  • Cost Cost varies — check with the club before your first run
  • Pace Beginner-friendly — first-timers and run-walkers are expected and welcome.
  • Meets Tuesday
  • Runners rate it 4.5 ★★★★★ from 16 Google reviews
  • Where 1540 S Ashland Ave Ste 201, Chicago, Illinois 60608

How to join a group run

Most clubs let you turn up to a group run as a guest — no membership, no commitment. Message the club or check their page for the current meeting spot, time, and pace before you head out for the first time.

Join or RSVP to a run

When Chicago Area Runners Association runs

Monday
Tuesday 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 10am – 5pm
Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday
Sunday

Typical group-run times. Clubs move meeting spots and swap days — always confirm on the club's own page before you go.

What runners say about Chicago Area Runners Association

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 16 reviews — in runners' own words.

knowledgeable coaching 4 mentions

“They also have lots of training programs, including speedwork, core work, and their popular marathon training program.”

From the reviews

I've been a member of CARA on and off for several years. They offer some decent discounts on races and to various running stores and other businesses. You get a subscription to Runner's World with your membership.

★★★★☆ — Emily, Sep 2013

Nobody does more to support running in Chicago than this fantastic organization.

★★★★★ — Greg, Apr 2019

I just finished training for my first marathon and I cannot say enough about how great the whole experience with CARA was. The enthusiasm, support, and endless and sincere encouragement made the grueling process of running 300+ miles over 18 weeks so enjoyable.

★★★★★ — Suzanne, Oct 2023

Awesome organization, not super familiar with you all, but just want to say that I’m very grateful for all the runs you put on and the water stops along the lake, it does not go unnoticed. Myself and many others appreciate all your hard work, early mornings, and volunteer efforts. Thank you!!

★★★★★ — Neil, Sep 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

What kind of club is this?

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Where Chicago Area Runners Association meets

1540 S Ashland Ave Ste 201, Chicago, Illinois 60608

Get directions Club website

Group runs often start from a park, a running store, or a coffee shop — double-check the exact meeting spot with the club, since map pins can point to a general area.

Running clubs near Chicago Area Runners Association

Viento - Little Village Runners Club

5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews

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All paces

2.7 miles away

3.4 miles away

Chicago Flyers Track Club

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Lakeview Run Club

5 ★★★★★ 56 reviews

Nettelhorst School, 3252 N Broadway, Chicago, IL

FreeAll pacesBeginner-friendly

Meeting weekly at Nettelhorst Elementary, this club offers various running groups followed by socializing.

5.7 miles away

Fluid Running

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

21 LaGrange Rd #200, La Grange, IL

Beginner-friendly

10.9 miles away

Spring Rock parkrun

Free to join · on instagram

Spring Rock Park, 4400 Central Ave, Western Springs, IL

Free

12.9 miles away

All running clubs in Chicago, IL →

Running clubs in nearby cities

Listing compiled July 2026 from public listings, the club's own pages and socials, and real runners' reviews. Clubs change meeting spots, days, and paces — confirm on the club's page before your first run. Something out of date? Report a correction. Run this club? Claim your listing — it's free.