Chicago Ultrarunners

Welcome

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We are a group of ultrarunners (both veterans and beginners alike) who share a love of endurance sports, trail running, and good old-fashioned challenge and adventure. The club was founded in February 2009 with the mission of increasing support and camaraderie amongst the Chicago-area ultrarunning community.

So far, the response to the Chicago Ultrarunners has been outstanding. If we say so ourselves, this is a pretty fantastic group of friendly, interesting, and motivated ultrarunners. So please join us out on the trails, stop by one of our monthly socials (on the first Thursday of each month), or introduce yourself on the forum.

We're on Facebook

About Us

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A Chicago-based group dedicated to ultrarunning and ultramarathons

ul·tra·mar·a·thon (noun) = any sporting event involving running longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.2188 mi), also known as 'ultra' distance. The most common distances are 50 and 100 miles, or 50 and 100 kilometers. Many ultramarathons, especially trail challenges, are characterized by severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Many of these races are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on paved roads as well.

If this sounds like your idea of weekend fun, then you're in the right place. We are a casual running group who share an interest in ultramarathons, trail-running, and endurance events. Join our member forum to plan and/or coordinate weekend runs, meet for post-run breakfast and other social events, talk races and recruit race support, post pictures and videos, and so on. Click the link below to be redirected to our forum.

We're on Facebook

Who are the members?
Our group has veteran ultrarunners and 150 mile finishers, aspiring marathoners, and everyone in between. We welcome anyone with an interest in ultras, those who have discovered the magic of trail running, and any runner looking for a fun, friendly, and informal running group.

Where do you run?
Chicago is not exactly the mecca of trail running, right? We make do. We organize runs on Lakeshore Path and nearby trails like Palos Hills, Waterfall Glen, James 'Pate' Phillip Park, Deer Grove Forest Preserve, North Branch River Trail, Kettle Moraine State Park, and more.

Do you race together?
Not like you may be thinking. Many of us have signed up for the same races, but ultrarunning is largely an individual sport. Our mission is simply to improve the support network, camaraderie, and unity amongst local ultrarunners to carry over into training and events. Ultrarunners typically don't race as a team, but this group does hold training runs, organize pre-race pasta dinners, act as crew and pacers for one another at races, and offer motivation and support to its members.

What are the dues?
Currently, zilch. We do reserve the right to initiate dues should the need arise, however. In the meantime, spend that money on entry fees or cool new gear!

If you have any other questions, please contact us.

Join us in our mission of creating a close-knit ultrarunning community in Chicago!

Affiliations

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Click here to check out The Chicago Trash Runners!

Contact Us

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Email the CHUGs with any questions, comments, or to hear more about our group. Or, join the Facebook Group to converse directly with our members, see member pages, and get the latest information on runs, races, social events, and other happenings.

We're on Facebook

Thanks for visiting our site. See you on the trails!

Photo Gallery

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Miscellaneous Photos uploaded to Member Forum by Members

CHUGs at Races

CHUGs at Group Runs

CHUGs at Social Gatherings

Miscellaneous CHUG photos