Come spring, seasoned and novice runners will begin to prepare for a journey that may very well be the challenge of a lifetime. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), in conjunction with Walk-The-Talk Productions, is bringing the National AIDS Marathon Training Program to Chicago. See www.aidsmarathon.com or call (312) 765-0210. Heart of America AIDS Ride July 12-13 Among the several midwest AIDS rides which have cropped up to replace the now-defunct Palotta Teamworks Heartland Ride is the 2003 Heart of America Ride for AIDS (www.aidsride2003.org), a new bicycle event designed to raise funds to assist the region’s AIDS community. The ride is set to take place July 12-13 beginning and ending near Starved Rock State Park, Ill. Funds will benefit AIDSCARE, a Chicago-area organization that assists those living with advanced HIV/AIDS through housing, care and support services. www.aidsride2003.org or (877) 343-7433. GLSEN Bowling benefit GLSEN Chicago’s 7th Annual Bowl-a-thon is Saturday, March 22, 9:30 p.m. until midnight at Marigold Bowl, 828 W. Grace. See www.glsenchicago.org.