Free Timed Runs Offered in Humboldt Park This Summer

CHICAGO, IL - A series of free, organized and timed runs are being offered this summer at Chicago parks as part of a new initiative emphasizing an active lifestyle through running and volunteerism.

The kickoff for 'Go Run' - a joint effort of the city of Chicago, Chicago Park District and Chicago Area Runners Association - was held last Saturday. For the next seven Saturdays, group 5K and 1 mile runs will start at 9 a.m. at Humboldt Park, Warren Park and Washington Park.

According to a CARA news release, the effort is "a volunteer-led community-based initiative with the objective to activate neighborhood parks and to strengthen communities."

Both the 5K and 1 mile courses are located within the parks. Warren Park is located at 6601 N. Western Ave. in the city's Rogers Park neighborhood. Humboldt Park is at 1400 N. Sacramento Ave. in the neighborhood that holds the same name and Washington Park, at 5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr., is in Hyde Park.

Participants choose to run or walk either the 1 Mile or 5K course. The goal is for ‘Go Run to become "a core part of neighborhood culture," according to CARA.

“The first ‘Go Run was exactly what we hoped... organic, fun, free and diverse," said CARA Executive Director Edward Zylka. "We were pleased to see such great support from our running community. We had a large volunteer turn out with support from local high schools, running clubs, and community-minded individuals. ‘Go Runs are a long term advocacy program for our communities and CARA is pleased to have the support of these organizations to make ‘Go Runs go in our neighborhoods and parks." 

Participants can sign up in advance at CARAruns.org or on site between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.