Frequently Asked Questions

PROGRAM

Do you still have entries?

We do! Registration for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is now open. You can register at www.rmhc.org/chicagomarathon.

What is the fundraising requirement?

The BOACM sets the minimums for all charities. At this time, the fundraising minimum is $1,750. We have also created a Marathon Plus series which includes the BOACM, BOA Half Marathon and the Shamrock Shuffle. The fundraising minimum for the Plus Series is $3,500.

Who pays the Marathon entry fee?

RMHC Global will pay for Marathon entry fee through January 31, 2024. After February 1, runners are responsible for paying their own entry fees.

What is the deadline for my minimum fundraising commitment?

The deadline for raising your minimum fundraising commitment is October 1, 2024.

DONATIONS

What should I do if my friends and family say they received an error when attempting to make a donation?

Please ask the donor to provide a specific date and time when this issue occurred on the attempted donation. If an error message is being given, if possible, please provide a screenshot of the error message. Email this information along with their name and contact information to donations@rmhc.org. From there, our development team will help you troubleshoot.

Where do I send checks?
Checks should be made payable to ‘Ronald McDonald House Charities.’ Please ensure that the words “Team RMHC—(your/runner’s name)” are included on the “memo” line. Please include a copy of our check submission form, which can be found HERE.

Mail checks to:
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc.
Attn: Team RMHC 26345 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1263

Please note: Received checks are added to fundraising pages on a weekly basis.

How will donors get charitable tax receipts?

For contributions made online, an online gift receipt is automatically issued. For donations made via check, donors will receive a letter in the mail and a receipt via email if contact information is available. RMHC Global can only provide tax acknowledgment letters to donors if contact information is printed on the check.

What is the Tax ID for RMHC?

RMHC IRS Tax ID#: 36-2934689

MATCHING GIFTS

What is the process for matching gifts?

Donors hoping to secure a company match should note their matching gift information at the bottom of the donation form. Each donor must then work with their company to secure the matching donation. To ensure proper crediting, all matching gift paperwork/applications should include “Team RMHC—(your/runner’s name)”.

Please note: Received matching donations are automatically added to fundraising pages on a weekly basis. Companies often process employee matching gift requests on a quarterly basis.

I am an employer and need help with a matching gift.

Employers needing additional information in order to process matching gifts should contact RMHC at donations@rmhc.org.

Do matching gifts count toward my minimum fundraising commitment?

Yes, they do! We ask that all donations be received by the October 1st deadline. Every company has a different policy for matching gifts. Please submit your matching gift information to your employer as early as possible.

INJURY

I am injured or can no longer ‘run Chicago’- do I still need to raise money?

In the event you are unable to run the Chicago Marathon and have used one of our charity entries, you must meet the minimum fundraising commitment stated in the ‘injury clause’ noted in the commitment form ($625 pre-drawing/ $875 after). You must declare the 'Injury Clause' by August 1, 2024, or you will be responsible for fundraising your full commitment.

To activate the Injury Clause, you must complete THIS FORM by August 1, 2024.

FUNDRAISING

If I don’t meet my minimum fundraising commitment, what happens?

For any instances where the fundraising minimums are not met by October 1st, we pull bibs and hold them. Runners who don’t meet the fundraising minimum before October 1 but would still like to run should visit the RMHC booth at the Expo to make a donation via check or credit card to cover the shortfall.

Please note: this is a practice required by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to ensure a more equitable fundraising environment.

RACE WEEKEND

What is Charity Village, where is it, and how many guests may I bring?

The Charity Village is a hub for all charity runners. The Team RMHC hospitality tent is typically located in the heart of the village, close to the start corrals and finish line. The tent is heated with private gear check, breakfast, snacks, post-race lunch, drinks, a DJ, and massage therapists. Team RMHC runners are able to use the tent as a meeting place to reunite with guests. The number of guests permitted depends on several factors. As a result, RMHC will share additional information as the event approaches.

What time does the RMHC Hospitality Tent close?

The BOACM closes Grant Park at 4pm, however RMHC staff will be at the tent space until 5pm. Box lunches will be provided for runners that do not arrive in time to take advantage of our full lunch service.

My spouse/partner/friend has an entry to the marathon, and we have been training together, can they come with me to the RMHC Hospitality Tent?

Race day hospitality is reserved for runners fundraising for RMHC. Friends and family that are not running the Chicago Marathon are also welcome to purchase a wristband and join us in the hospitality tent after the race concludes. (Restrictions may apply) Those with their own entry are encouraged to join Team RMHC. They will be required to meet a $600 minimum.

Where is this year’s Team RMHC Marathon-Eve Pasta Dinner taking place? How many guests can I bring, what is the charge, and what types of food will be served?

Dinner is typically held in downtown Chicago*. The dinner is free to all Team RMHC runners as a ‘Thank you’ on behalf of the children and families served by RMHC. We will share additional information about the number of guests, cost, and menu as the event approaches.

* The location and structure of Pasta Dinner is subject to change.

STAYING CONNECTED

What is the link to the Team RMHC Facebook group?

There is a private group for Team RMHC runners to connect, share inspiring stories, tips, and motivate one another. Join us HERE!

Who do I contact if I know someone who would like to volunteer for Marathon weekend?

Register as a volunteer HERE. Details will be sent closer to the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO FAQS

Are participants required to pick-up their race materials in person?

All participants are required to pick up their own participant packet (bib number and timing device) at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during the scheduled hours of operation. All participants must show a government-issued photo ID reflecting the name they registered under upon picking up their own participant packet.

Will Team RMHC have a presence at the Expo?

RMHC will have a booth at the Expo. All team members that RSVP’d for the Hospitality Tent will be required to visit the RMHC Booth to receive their Runner Packet. This will contain gear check tags, wristbands for guests to access tent space, and more.

Where is Abbott Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up) located?

The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is held at the McCormick Place Convention Center. For more information on the Health & Fitness Expo, visit the Expo & Packet Pick-up page.

When is the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up)?

Thursday, October 10
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, October 11
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 12
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Times are subject to change, so please double check the Expo & Packet Pick-up page for the most up-to-date information.

Can I pick up my participant packet, participant bag and t-shirt on the day of the race?

Participant materials will not be available for race day pick up.

RMHC RACE DAY HOSPITALITY FAQs

Runners NOT utilizing the RMHC Hospitality Tent, please make yourself familiar with BOACM FAQs HERE.

Where is the start line?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon start line is located in Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Monroe Street. The RMHC Hospitality Tent is in close proximity to start corrals. Volunteers will help to escort you to your corrals at the appropriate times.

Where can I check my gear on race day?

RMHC offers a private Gear Check within our Hospitality Tent. You will need to RSVP so that we know to assign you a gear check number. Links to RSVP will be shared closer to event day.

Where can I change before or after the race?

RMHC provides changing pods within our Hospitality Tent space.

Will portable restrooms be available in Grant Park?

RMHC provides private port-o-lets within our Hospitality Tent space.