Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) has persuaded the Chicago Park District to renovate the lakefront running path, considered by some to be America's finest urban running trail, and award it official designation.
"Although CARA first measured the running path in 1978, and the Chicago Park District has placed half-mile markers along the 18-mile, CARA-designed course, the path has never been given official status by the Park District," said David Patt, CARA chief executive officer.
This year, the Chicago Park District will designate the "Lakefront Running Trail" and will renovate 11 portions of the path between Ardmore Ave. and the North Ave. bridge. Rutted portions of the Trail will be dug out and reconstructed, and narrow portions will be widened.
The Lakefront Running Trail follows the former bridle path, and includes the cinder trails along the lake between Foster and Montrose avenues, and west of the lagoon between Barry Ave. and the North Ave. bridge, near Lincoln Park Zoo. Directional signs will be placed where the Running Trail diverges from the Lakefront Trail.
Both trails are multi-use and are open to runners, walkers, cyclists, skaters, and others. Half-mile markers will be posted only along the Running Trail.
Funding for the project has been provided by The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2004.
Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) is a 9,000-member, not-for-profit organization promoting health and fitness through running.
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