HOLY CRAP, 20 miles is a long way...

CUT and PASTED FROM MY EMAIL INBOX:

Dear Lindy, (that's me!)

Are you ready for the Newton Ready to Run 20 Miler?!

This email includes all of your final event information and should answer all of your questions about the event. Please read it through carefully.

Before we get into event day details, just a friendly reminder that the Lakefront Path cannot be closed for events like this. People who are not affiliated with the event will be out running, biking, walking and so on. Please be courteous to all path users. Stay to the right and run no more than two across.

If you've participated in this event before, please note, some things have changed -- like the finish location! Again, be sure to check out all of the information.

We'll see you Sunday!

Packet Pickup

There is NO event day packet pickup. Packet pickup began on Saturday, September 8. At this point, we have one packet pickup location remaining. You must pick up your packet on Friday or Saturday. You can send someone else to pick up your packet. Please make sure they know how to spell your name. A confirmation number is always helpful too!

Friday, September 14

2 - 8 PM

Fleet Feet Sports - Old Town

Saturday, September 15

10 AM - 5 PM

Fleet Feet Sports - Old Town

There is NO race day registration or packet pickup!

Pace Groups

Participants in the Newton Ready to Run 20 Miler will be placed in pace groups, determined by the information you provide. Pace groups will go off in waves every 30 seconds, with the first wave beginning at 6:30 AM.

Group leaders will make every effort to maintain a consistent pace (plus or minus 10 seconds). You do not have to run with your pace group the entire time, but they are designed to help you achieve your time goals. Please help the others in your pace group by calling out path hazards (pothole, bike back, bike up, etc.). This helps make sure everyone makes it through the event safely!

You will receive your wave assignment and start time at packet pickup. Your wave number, pace and start time will all be printed on a sticker on your bib.

Please note, there is no event day packet pickup or registration.

The Start

The event begins at the Wilson lot. Runners can enjoy some complimentary Stewart's coffee. Gatorade will also be on hand with Gatorade Prime Pouches and Prime Chews.

When you arrive on site, simply look for the group leader holding up the wave sign that corresponds to the wave you've been assigned. Remember, your wave number and approximate start time are printed on your bib. All participants in your wave will also have the same bib color.

The Course

The point-to-point course begins at the Wilson lot on the lakefront and will run north for a short time before heading south for the remaining mileage. The event ends at Jackson Park. For participants who've done the event before, note that this is a different finish location! Check out the course map here.

Aid Stations and Medical Support

The course will feature 10 aid stations stocked with water and Gatorade. One aid station will have Clif Shot Energy Gel available.

YOU BRING YOUR ENERGY, WE'LL BRING OURS!

The CLIF SHOT Energy Zone will be located at mile 12.3 of the Newton Ready to Run course. Clif Shot Energy Gel will be ready and waiting to help meet your energy needs and keep you cruising toward that finish line. We'll have four flavors available (the same flavors as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon): Razz, Chocolate, Citrus + Caffeine, Mocha + Caffeine. (Bleck!)

Medical personnel will be located at each aid station and are there to assist you. A roving medical team on bikes will be on course, should an emergency arise. We will also have support vehicles covering the course, should you need a ride to the finish.

Gear Check

Gear check for the Newton Ready to Run 20 Miler is organized "Boston Style." This means that we will have buses at the starting area where you'll drop your gear. The buses will then take all of the gear to the finishing area at Jackson Park. Please look for the bus that matches your bib number to insure your gear is at the finish when you are! Attaching your gear check tag ahead of time will make the gear check drop off line move quickly Sunday morning. Gear check will open at 5:30 a.m.

Please note, we cannot guarantee that the entire finish line gear check area will be covered by a tent. In case of inclement weather, please store your belonging in a water/weatherproof bag.

Parking and Transportation

The Newton Ready to Run 20 Miler begins near the Wilson Lot (Wilson and Simonds) on the lakefront.

Participant Parking:

Parking is available at the start line in the Wilson, Montrose and Foster lots. These lots are metered, but allow you the option to prepay for the entire day. If you plan to park in one of these lots, please arrive early because there is only one pay box and there will be a line. Free parking is also available along Simonds Drive and Montrose Harbor Drive. We will have parking staff on hand to help direct you.

Runners must park near the starting line, unless you have alternate transportation plans. After the run, buses will bring you from Jackson Park back to the Wilson lot. These buses will also make a stop downtown at Monroe and Lakeshore Drive.

Some CARA training groups have alternate parking and transportation plans. Your Site Coordinator will be providing you with this information, if applicable.

Public transportation:

To/From the starting area: The 81-Lawrence bus line runs early in the morning on Sundays and will get you near the start. The Red Line is also running early enough to get you to the start on time. The closest Red Line station is the Wilson stop. It's about a mile west of the starting area.

Post run, you can also choose from the 78-Montrose, 145-Wilson/Michigan and 146-Marine/Michigan bus lines.

To/From the finish area: The finish line is conveniently located near the Museum of Science and Industry. From the museum, runners can catch the 6-Jackson Park Express. If you prefer to take the train, the Metra Electric Line train stops about two blocks away at the 55th/56th/57th Street station. You can also get to the museum by taking a Red or Green line train to Garfield and then transferring to an eastbound 55-Garfield bus.

Plan your trip using trip planner. Please check the schedule while making your plans as schedules may have changed.

Post Race Transportation: Buses will run from the finish line at Jackson Park back to the start (Wilson lot). These buses will also make a stop downtown at Monroe and Lakeshore Drive. If you prefer to catch a cab, we're a short walk from the Museum of Science and Industry, so you can easily hop in the cab line.

Event Timing Since the Newton Ready to Run 20 Miler is a training event, it is NOT timed. There will be a clock at the start and a clock at the finish, however you will not receive an official time. Please plan to bring a watch if you'd like to know your run time.

Finisher Swag

You've finished 20 miles, now show off your accomplishment to all of your friends! All finishers of the Newton Ready to Run 20 Miler will receive a one-of-a-kind tech top from Merrell.

Shirts will be available at the finish line in the Shirt Pickup tent. We will have a tent for men and a tent for women.

Our volunteers will give you the shirt size you indicated when you registered. Shirt exchange will open at 11:30 a.m. if you need to make a switch. In fairness to all runners, exchanges will not be made before then. Also, please be courteous if you need to make an exchange. Someone else does not want the sweaty shirt you tried on before deciding you didn't like the fit.

Post Race Party - Celebrate Your Last Long Run!

Don't miss the post race party! Pick up your finisher's swag and celebrate your last long run before the marathon. We'll have a full spread including product samples from Vapiano, CLIF Bar, Muscle Milk and more! Goose Island will be on hand with 312 Urban Wheat Ale and food (available for purchase when you register). Plus, staff from NovaCare will be on site to help you stretch out and take care of any post-run issues.

Spectator Information

Grab your kids, friends, neighbors -- heck, bring your enemies -- out to cheer for you as you complete your 20 miler! Spectators are welcome at all points along the course.

Spectators hoping to catch you at the finish will be able to park in one of two nearby lots. Paid parking is available in the 63rd Street Beach lot (corner of E. Hayes and Lakeshore Drive) and the lot at the corner of E. Hayes and S. Cornell.

Unfortunately, buses are not available to transport spectators along the course.

Spectators will be able to purchase food at the Goose Island tent for $7.00 on the day of the event. They will have the choice of a Breakfast Burrito, a Buffalo Chicken Burger or a Vegetarian option. All meals come with chips.

The Finish

New this year, the event will be finishing in Jackson Park, near Hayes. Click here for a map.

Shuttle buses will be departing regularly from the finish. These buses will stop downtown at Monroe and Lake Shore Drive, before returning to the starting location at Wilson.

Chicago Area Runners Association

549 W. Randolph, Suite 704

Chicago, IL 60661

312.666.9836

www.cararuns.org

The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) uses member contact information to provide better communication between the organization and the membership. From time to time we may send you information about products, services or member benefits from our sponsors that we think you may be interested in receiving. You may elect to receive no electronic communication from CARA at any time or to be reinstated should you have elected not to receive electronic communication. CARA does not provide electronic communication information to third parties.