Make a run for it

Looking for some jogging company? Need extra motivation to exercise after work? Want to take your training to the next level? Check, check and check: Area running groups offer “happy hour” (think 5K, not sake) options for everyone from armchair athletes to serious speedsters. There are dozens of teams to jump in with—we’ve highlighted a few to wet your whistle.

Chicago Area Runners Association
Best for Newbies
The big momma of local running, 30-year-old CARA is 9,000 members strong. The club’s just-launched Six Summer Nights Series—three- to six-mile loops that begin at a watering hole—draw up to 200 runners.
Cool-down ritual Apps and drinks at a beer garden (CARA will even buy the first round!)
Join ’em Go to CARAruns.org for training programs and meeting spots.

Nike
Best for Loop workers
Walk across the river, stash your stuff at the Niketown gear check, find your pacer (the guy holding a stick with your average mile pace) and then set off on one of the three-, five- and seven-mile runs. Since Nike sponsors so many races during the year, there’s always a big event around the corner for participants to rev up for.
Cool-down ritual Beers at Rock Bottom
Join ’em Thursday nights at Niketown (669 N Michigan Ave). Starting June 16, Nike will also host free Chicago Marathon training runs on Mondays (Fleet Feet Piper’s Alley), Tuesdays (Running Away Multisport), Wednesdays (Starbucks, 1430 W Taylor St), Thursdays (Niketown) and Saturday mornings at Foster Avenue Beach House at 6:30am (5200 N Lakeshore Dr).

Universal Sole
Best for Speedsters
The lithe bodies that gather at the Universal Sole store in Lincoln Park on Monday nights set off for the lakefront at a speedy clip and typically knock off a seven-mile loop. While the friendly group warmly welcomes runners of all levels, folks shooting for a Boston-qualifying marathon finish time (or a similarly ambitious goal in a shorter race) will feel most at home.
Cool-down ritual After a run like that, they keep it simple with a local option like Fizz or Chicago Pizza.
Join ’em Mondays at 6:15pm at the store (3052 N Lincoln Ave).

Chicago Endurance Sports
Best for Weekend warriors
If you jog along the lakefront on Saturday mornings in the summertime, you’ve undoubtedly seen these massive, smiling herds of runners making their way up and down the path. Many participants are athletic beginners looking for help and guidance in completing their first half or full-distance marathon.
Cool-down ritual A lake dip
Join ’em chicagoendurancesports.com lists training programs and upcoming races.

Hash House Harriers
Best for Partyers
There are no dues, but members plunk down $6 each run for postjog refreshments (true to the team’s motto, “a drinking club with a running problem”).
Cool-down ritual “Hashes,” or postrun parties, happen at watering holes all over town.
Join ’em In the spring and summer, runs typically take place on Monday and Thursday nights. Chicagohash.com lists upcoming meeting spots.

Fleet Feet
Best for Race addicts
The three- to six-mile runs tend to attract suburbanites looking to squeeze in a run before hitting the highway and neighborhood residents. Folks looking for coaching and an official uniform to wear in races should up the ante with a year membership with the Fleet Feet Racing Club ($75).
Cool-down ritual Suds and grub at Corcoran’s Grill in Old Town or Daily Bar & Grill in Lincoln Square
Join ’em Fun Runs and Racing Club practice meet at 6:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays (ladies only) and Wednesday’s at Piper’s Alley and Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (8am) at Lincoln Square.

Lincoln Park Pacers
Best for ’Hoodies
This crew is about 100 runners strong with members ranging from kids in their twenties to big kids in their 70s—and the ability levels are just as diverse, from newbies to ultramarathoners. The Pacers run a water stand at the Chicago Marathon each year to cheer on teammates and other runners.
Cool-down ritual Bagels at Panera Bread or dinner at a nearby restaurant
Join ’em Five milers begin on Saturdays at 8am and Tuesdays at 6:30pm, rain or shine. Meet at the CARA notice board at Diversey Ave and the lakeside running path in Lincoln Park. Visit lincolnparkpacers.org for more info.

Got a running group we missed? Holler at sports@timeoutchicago.com.