Q. Do you still have entries?
Currently, all the spots for our charity team have been filled. However, is likely that additional spots for this year's marathon will open up before our July 15 deadline. Join the waitlist now.
Q. How much does it cost to join the team?
For a limited time, you can join the Heroes team for just $1 (regularly $99). Mercy Home will cover your $240 race entry fee. If you have an entry to the 2024 Chicago Marathon, there is no cost to join the team.
Q. Once I register for your team, am I in the race?
No. After signing up, you will receive an email with a unique link to register for the race as part of our team. You will be asked for credit card information but will not be charged (no promo code needed). Mercy Home will approve your entry and pay the fee once you complete registration.
Q. What happens if the race get canceled?
For the most detailed answers to this, please visit the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon FAQ page.
Q. What is the fundraising minimum?
The Chicago Marathon has set the fundraising minimums for all charities.
- For those who secure an entry before the drawing (November 16, 2023), the minimum is $1,250.
- For those who receive a post-drawing entry, the minimum is $1,750.
- Heroes who secure their own entry will be asked to raise at least $600.
Q. How do my supporters make a donation?
The preferred method is by credit card on the fundraising webpage you set up on this platform. To locate your page, use the search box at the top of the page. If a donor wants to write a check, it should be written to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and have your name and marathon in the memo line. Checks should be sent to:
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Attn: Marathon
1140 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
Q. What if someone donates cash?
If they want a tax receipt and acknowledgement of the gift, the best method is for you to write a check and attach their information to it.
Q. Do matching gifts count toward my minimum?
Because every company distributes matching gifts differently, we suggest you use them to supplement your fundraising rather than relying on them. Be assured that gifts will be credited to you once they come in.
Q. What is the deadline for my minimum fundraising commitment?
The deadline to meet your fundraising commitment is October 8, 2024.
Q. What if I don't meet my minimum by October 2?
You must submit payment for the remaining difference (fundraising minimum minus amount raised) before the marathon expo on October 10-12 or your race bib will be pulled.
Q. What is a bib pull?
The Chicago Marathon asks all charities to submit a list of runners who haven't reached their fundraising minimum roughly a week prior to the marathon. Runners on the "bib pull" list must come to the Mercy Home Heroes tent at the Expo to settle up and obtain a signature to receive their bib for the race. Failure to do so means you will not be allowed to participate in the race.
Don't see your question here? Email Heroes Team Leader Mary Connolly at [email protected] for answers.
