Beth Onines, a veteran of over 83 marathons and 30 ultra-marathons has begun a non-profit running organization, Chicago Runs Training Programs. The kick-off program is a 9-week session geared for the popular LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, an 8k race scheduled for April 2, 2006.

"We created a not-for-profit because it enables us to get sponsorship to help us promote a training program for runners to reach their training goals in a safe, injury free educational...program with other runners at the same level." The first program offering, of nine weekend morning sessions, begins January 28 in Lincoln Park and Lake Zurich, January 29 in Beverly. Interested runners can sign up at www.signmeupsports.com.

Each training site has experienced marathon runners as their site-coordinators who supervise the group leaders for all the weekend training runs.

The 8k program is the first of a "Three Step Training Program" designed to slowly build the participant up both mentally and physically with the Chicago Marathon as the final goal. The North Shore Half Marathon is the second step lasting for ten weeks with the final step a twenty week program. If you can consistently run for fifteen minutes, you are ready for the first step.

Chicago Runs' programs include educational clinics on How to Train, Shoe Selection, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Core Stengthening, Race Day Strategy and Proper Recovery.

The organization also adds a few social events, a Coolmax running singlet, a copy of Marathon and Beyond magazine at a discounted rate, mid-week long runs, a special tent on race day with food, beverages, bathrooms, private gear check, and massage tents.

As a non-profit organization affiliated with Road Runners Club of America, Chicago Runs can provide an inexpensive, quality training program, as many volunteers as are needed, and affordable group insurance obtained through the Road Runners Club.

For further information, Onines can be contacted at (847)209-8843 or visit their website at www.chicagoruns.org. Registration for all programs is available at www.signmeupsports.com for no additional fees.