This year’s ‘Go Run series – which includes timed 1-mile and 5K runs on Saturday mornings – will be held at Columbus Park and other city parks, starting later this month.
The runs – organized by the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) – are open to everyone including long-time runners, newcomers, families and children. Participants are welcome to race, run, jog, walk or volunteer during the weekly community gatherings on Saturdays at 9 a.m.
The first Columbus Park run of the year will be held March 5; registration opened on Feb. 25.
Participants may choose from either the 1 mile or 3.1 mile course located entirely within the park, and they begin simultaneously. At Columbus Park, the walk/run will begin at the south end of Golf Drive; parking is available in the Golf Drive parking lot.
Other ‘Go Run locations include Big Marsh Park, Calumet Park, Douglass Park, Garfield Park, Horner Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Marquette Park and Warren Park.
“We value our partnership with the Chicago Area Runners Association and look forward to seeing returning and new participants in the 2022 season,” said Chicago Park District Interim Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “The ‘Go Run program brings communities together in our local parks while forming healthy lifestyle habits for Chicago residents of all ages.”
Online registration for each ‘Go Run is required for all participants, including children. Registration closes when capacity (150 persons) is reached or on Friday at 2 p.m. the day before each ‘Go Run, whichever comes first.
All ‘Go Runs are timed and results are posted immediately after each run to help participants track their progress. Participants are asked to check-in at their first ‘Go Run each calendar year and pick up their bib number prior to the start. Participants only need to check in once per calendar year unless they need a replacement bib.
New this year on the back of each bib is a “CARA-Land” game board. Participants are encouraged to race to the finish of “CARA-Land” to win a free ‘Go Run shirt by earning two finisher points for finishes finishes at Warren Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Horner Park, Columbus Park and Marquette Park.
Learn more here about how-to earn three points and opportunities to double your points at each ‘Go Run.
Visit www.GoRunChicago.org to register or learn more about upcoming ‘Go Run events. Other Columbus Park runs will be held: April 23, June, 18, Aug. 13 and Oct. 1. Registration for each event opens at 3 p.m. the previous Friday.