2018 marks the 40thAnniversary of the Chicago Area Runner’s Association. In 1978, CARA began as an advocacy group, protesting to move the Chicago Marathon from September at 10 a.m. to a morning start in October. It then grew into a small running group in Chicago, eventually turning into third largest local community of runners in America.
Employees of CARA are taking this opportunity to look back at the history; throughout the year, they will interview past members, put together historical timelines and share facts about the group to show the Chicago running community how it’s mission remains the same.
“We wouldn’t have gotten to the 40-year mark without our members and leadership,” executive director Greg Hipp says. “We started as a small group of people protesting to protect running, and that’s what we’re still doing today on a larger scale.”
CARA’s most recent mark on the running community is through its ‘Go Run series, which offers free races throughout Chicago parks during the summer and fall; Hipp hopes that in another 40 years, CARA members and local athletes will be able to recognize its value and impact.
He really alludes the organization’s success to its member-driven structure, which sets CARA apart from other grassroots running clubs. Every year, nearly 3,000 runners undergo training with the group, many of which train for a fall marathon.
In fact, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon also celebrated its 40thanniversary in 2017, and Hipp really values the synergy between CARA and the event.
“The Chicago Marathon really inspires our members, and we’re one of the groups that facilitates the opportunity to achieve that goal.” Hipp adds. “We hope to be as much of a contributor to their success.”
Hipp is using this milestone to look ahead to the new chapter; he explains that CARA is working on a new strategic plan for making changes and decisions, all while keeping the same consistent vision of protecting running in Chicago.
“There’s a lot more that we want to do,” Hipp says. “If we’re going to be here in another 40 years, we need the people and support.”
