Bank of America Chicago Marathon Frequently Asked Questions

What is Team Race for ALS?
Team Race for ALS is one of the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s unique programs, offering athletes the opportunity to compete in endurance events for those who can’t. Since 2011, the Chicago Marathon team has attracted over 200 runners and has raised more than $300,000 for the Foundation. Participants honor the lives and memories of the brave patients who are currently fighting ALS as well as those who have passed away.

How do I sign up to run for Team Race for ALS-Chicago Marathon?
Contact us at events@lesturnerals.org and we will send you all of the details to get registered for the Marathon and Team Race for ALS.

Fundraising and Donations

What is the minimum amount that I have to fundraise as part of Team Race for ALS - Chicago Marathon?
Those who register by February 2021 will have a fundraising minimum of $1,250. Those who register after February 2021 will have a fundraising minimum of $1,750. Those who have their own secured bib will have a fundraising minimum of $625.

Does my registration fee go toward my fundraising goal?
Yes. Your $25 Team Race for ALS registration fee goes towards your fundraising goal.

How do I collect donations?
Each team member will receive a personal fundraising web page to collect donations from friends and family. You can also host offline fundraising events and send the money raised to our office. You will also receive a copy of our Team Race for ALS guidebook that has many fundraising event suggestions and tips.

What if someone wants to write a check, where do I send it?
If someone writes you a check, or you host an offline fundraising event, make the check out to the Les Turner ALS Foundation and send it to:

Les Turner ALS Foundation
Attn: Chicago Marathon
5550 W. Touhy Ave. Suite 302
Skokie, IL 60077-3254

Make sure there is a note inside the envelope that says your name, or you can write your name on the memo line of the check.

Are donations people make to my page tax deductible?
Online donations via fundraising pages will receive an automatic confirmation that serves as a tax deductible letter. If a donor misplaces the email, please contact us at info@lesturnerals.org and we can resend the confirmation. For donations received through the mail, the Les Turner ALS Foundation will send a thank you letter acknowledging the gift with all necessary information for a tax deduction when they file their taxes.

Do matching gifts count towards my fundraising?
Yes. Matching gifts are posted once the corporation involved approves it. Every company has a different timetable for how they process gifts. If you have questions about your matching gift, please contact your company first to find out if the donation has been matched. If it has been, please contact us at info@lesturnerals.org and we will do everything to ensure the donation appears on your page.

When do I need to raise my committed minimum fundraising goal by?
Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 5pm CST

What if I do not raise my committed minimum fundraising goal?
If you do not raise your committed minimum fundraising goal by Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 5pm CST the shortfall amount will be charged to your credit card on file from Team Race for ALS registration, per your signed commitment form.

Event Info

When is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
Sunday, October 10, 2021

I am injured and/or cannot run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Per the BOA Chicago Marathon event rules: Sale and/or transfer of race entries/bib numbers is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable. Per your signed agreement with the Les Turner ALS Foundation, you must raise half of your committed fundraising goal.

What are the normal high/low temperatures in Chicago in October ?
Normal High: 66 Fahrenheit / 19 Celsius
Normal Low: 48 Fahrenheit / 9 Celsius

What happens if the event is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic or any other unusual circumstance?
If the event is cancelled by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizer’s, the Les Turner ALS Foundation will follow all cancellation policies set by the organizers. We will remain in contact with our Team Race participants in the event this happens. Please review the cancellation terms provided by the Bank of America Chicago marathon here.

Can I get a refund on my entry or donations raised if the event is cancelled?
Entry refunds are handled by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and are not guaranteed. Your funds raised are critical to our mission, however, if you would like a refund of your $25 Team Race registration fee, we ask that you call our office at 847 679 3311.

Where and when is the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo and packet pick-up?
McCormick Place
2301 S. Prairie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616

Friday, October 8, 2021
9am – 8pm

Saturday, October 9, 2021
9am – 6pm

View for more information about the Health & Fitness Expo.

Do I have to pick up my participant packet, participant bag and t-shirt at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo?
Yes. All participants must pick up their own participant packet (which includes the event-issued bib number and timing device), technical t-shirt and participant bag at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo during regularly scheduled hours.

Please note that individuals will not be able to pick up participant packets on behalf of others. We do not mail out participant packets, bags or t-shirts that are not picked up at the Expo; no exceptions.

Participants must present their packet pick-up ticket or email along with a photo ID in order to receive their participant packet and participant bag.

Can I pick up my participant packet, participant bag and t-shirt on the day of the race?
There is no race day participant packet and bag pick-up. All participants must pick up their bib numbers, participant bags, t-shirts and timing devices prior to race day.

Course Info

Where can I find a Bank of America Chicago Marathon course map?
A course map for the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be available in advance of race day.

The Chicago Marathon course is a fast and flat course that is home to four World Records, several national records and countless personal bests. There is only one slight incline in the final mile of the course on Roosevelt Road.

How many aid stations are on the course?
There are 20 aid stations on the course.

What flavor Gatorade do you offer on the course?
Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula.

Is there food available on the course?
Bananas are available in the later miles of the course; they are generally offered between miles 20-24.

How long is the course open?
The course is open for 6 hours, 30 minutes. Registrants must be capable of completing the full distance, start line to finish line, within the event time requirement of 6 hours, 30 minutes (or approx. 15 minutes/mile).

Is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a USATF certified course and is a great race for participants hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Yes. USATF, the national governing body of the sport, amended its ban on headphones and iPods. However, athletes competing for prize money are not allowed to use electronic devices such as headphones and ear pieces.

Can I run with my Garmin GPS or my Nike Plus device?
Yes, participants may wear their Garmin GPS watches and/or Nike Plus devices. However, these items do not count as “second timing devices” and will not be recognized by the event as official times or distances.

What is NOT allowed on the course?
The use of video devices, cell phones, computers, cameras or any similar devices by participants in the event is prohibited.

The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to: (a) authorized and registered competitive wheelchair participants, and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled device will not be permitted.

Hotels and Travel

Does the BOA Chicago Marathon work with an official travel and housing partner that offers special rates for Marathon participants?
Experient is the official travel and housing partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, offering official rates at the city’s most desirable hotels.

What is the official hotel for the Chicago Marathon?
The Hilton Chicago is the official headquarters hotel of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Located just across the street from Grant Park, the Hilton Chicago is a hub of activity on race weekend.

Do you have a list of hotels near the start/finish?
For an extensive list of hotels located near the start and finish, click here.

Other

If I join Team Race for ALS, can I still run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with a friend who is a part of another charity or not a charity runner?
Yes, while participants may start in different Corrals based on submitted qualifying times, there is no distinction between charity runners and other participants.