Hyde Park residents train for Chicago Marathon

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By SheRico Jones

Beginning June 11th 2011, the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) is hosting an 18-week training program for the upcoming Bank of America marathon. According to a press release, nearly 30,000 people have completed the Marathon Training Program and credit it with their success.

The 34th annual Bank of America marathon, also known as the Chicago Marathon, is a 26.2 mile course that raises money for charitable causes. The 2011 marathon will start in Grant Park at 7:30am on October 9.

The Bank of America Chicago marathon is one of the five World Marathon Majors. Proceeds from this years event will benefit youth running programs in Chicago. Two dollars from every entry, as well as a dollar-for-dollar match by Bank of America will be donated to Chicago-based youth running and fitness initiatives. Forty-five thousand participants registered for the race over the course of 31 days. In 2010, runners in the marathon raised over $12 million for charity.

The record of registration is a tribute to the 34-year tradition of our event, as well as to our partners in the community, the City of Chicago and out sponsors who lend their support and resources in helping us produce a wonderful experience for our participants year after year, Executive Race Director, Carey Pinkowski, said in a press release. We look forward to welcoming the class of 2011 to Chicago on October 9th.

In preparation for the Bank of America marathon, Hyde Park residents can train by signing up for the CARA Training Program. The program offers a weekly run, training tips and a 24-hour injury prevention hotline.

Were excited to bring out [a] top notch program to this area. We know there are a lot of dedicated runners in this neighborhood who are looking for a great training program closer to home, CARA Training Program Manager, Meg Sullivan said in a press release. Our pace group leaders and site coordinators cant wait to help people reach their marathon goals.

The program will start with a Super Clinic on June 4thwhich includes workshops given by experts in the running industry. Participants will receive a limited edition CARA technical shirt, a one-year subscription to Running Times and free entry into CARAs5th annual Ready to Run, 20 mile race on September 18th.

The CARA Training Program is not exclusive to the Chicago Marathon. Runners can sign up to train for other marathons as well. For more information on their training programs visit: www.cararuns.org.

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