What will I receive with my membership?

When does the membership year begin?

How does the CARA discount program work?

What constitutes a "family" for membership?

I want to buy running gear but don’t have my membership card yet. What do I do?

I want to enter races but don’t have my membership card yet. What do I do?

What are gold, silver, and bronze memberships?

How will I know when it’s time to renew my membership?

I lost my membership card. What do I do?

Don't see your question listed here? Call us at 312.666.9836 or send an e-mail to us at info@cararuns.org.

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• Discounted race entry fees at hundreds of races throughout the Chicagoland area
• Weekly e-newsletter with the latest information on happenings in the running community
• Special invitations and discounts to members-only events or CARA sponsored promotions
• Discounts from local running stores on the gear you need to get up and go
• Access to exclusive members-only race day tents and gear checks at selected races throughout the running season
• CARA Race Circuit competitions - Individual , Clydesdale , Club, and Corporate.
• Awards just for running races, regardless of your level of ability.
• Durable membership card/key tag that can be used at retailers, race expos, and race day for special CARA member promotions
• Discounts on CARA's premiere training programs which serve all levels of runners, in most locations, and at all paces
• Access to a huge community of healthy, fitness oriented, fun people!

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   When does the membership year begin?

  It begins from the time you join and continues for a one or two year period, depending on the type of membership you choose.

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   How does the CARA discount program work?

  The membership card you’ll receive lists your CARA membership number. Enter that number on applications for races and training programs that offer discounts to CARA members. Show your card when making purchases at running stores or other businesses that offer discounts to members ( view list)

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   What constitutes a "family" for membership?

  All members at the same address. For the purposes of CARA membership, your family consists of everyone who resides in your household – parents, children, significant others, and siblings, if they live with you.

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   I want to buy running gear but don’t have my membership card yet. What do I do?

  If you signed up online, you can print your confirmation message and use that as temporary proof of your membership. If you mailed in your registration, call the CARA office at 312.666.9836 and we can expedite a membership card to you. However, you will need to allow several days for it to arrive to you through the mail.

  If you are planning on being downtown Chicago, you can arrange to come by our offices to pick up your card. We are located at 203 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 1104 (northeast corner of Wabash and Lake).

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   I want to enter races but don’t have my membership card yet. What do I do?

  Call the CARA office at 312.666.9836 and we can provide your number over the phone. That’s all you’ll need to fill out an online or printed race application. If you sign up on site for a race, be sure to take your card with you – if you indicate that you are a CARA member for the discount, they might ask to see it.

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   What are gold, silver, and bronze memberships?

  These memberships are additional, tax-deductible contributions to CARA. Any a mount you pay over and above regular membership is deductible as a charitable expense. You’ll receive a gold, silver, or bronze lapel pin and your name will be listed annually in CARA’s Chicago Runner magazine.

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   How will I know when it’s time to renew my membership?

  Your membership expiration date will appear on your membership card. A renewal notice will be sent automatically approximately one month before your membership expires.

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   I lost my membership card. What do I do?

  Call the CARA office at 312.666.9836 and we will send a new one to you. You can also notify us via e-mail at info@cararuns.org. Be sure to let us know if your address or any other information has changed.

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