Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundraising requirement?
For our 2025 charity team*, fundraising requirements and deadlines are as follows:
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Registration before lottery applications due (Nov. 21, 2024): $1,500 fundraising commitment
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Registration after the lottery (Dec. 12, 2024): $2,100 fundraising commitment
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Self-secured entry (athlete with their own bib): $500 fundraising commitment
For all team members, 75% of your fundraising commitment must be met by September 2025. The remainder of the fundraising commitment must be met by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm CST.
*Please note: Fundraising minimums are set by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity program.
What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising deadlines?
If 75% of the fundraising commitment is not met by September 2025, your name will be placed on our “bib pull” list. This list will be provided to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and you will not be able to collect your bib at the Expo to participate in the race on October 12. Athletes who fundraise or pay the remaining balance due before race day may collect their bib from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab booth at the Expo.
If the entirety of the fundraising commitment is not met by December 31, 2025, the credit card on file will be charged for the balance due.
Can I join your team as part of the Para Athletics Program?
Absolutely! True to our mission, Team Shirley Ryan AbilityLab strives to include athletes of all abilities. Please reach out to Kayla Nelson at knelson03@sralab.org for additional registration information.
Learn more about the Para Athletics Program.
What happens if I can no longer participate in the race (e.g., illness, injury, conflict, etc.)?
Charity entries for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon are not transferable. You may not transfer your race entry to another individual or defer your entry to the following year. If an athlete must withdraw from the race, they are also still obligated to fulfill the fundraising commitment. We follow the participant cancellation policy from the Chicago Marathon.
Exceptions include for pregnancy and postpartum period.
Are donations tax-deductible?
As a 501(c)3 organization, all donations to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are tax-deductible.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please reach out to Kayla Nelson at knelson03@sralab.org for questions.