Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Entry
Yes, register at run.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org .
When we sell out, a waitlist will be implemented for entries that will become available as runners leave the team due to injury, etc.
Ronald McDonald House is paying for the first 650 Marathon charity entries.
Fundraising Requirements & Deadlines
The BOACM sets the fundraising minimum for all charities. In 2027, the fundraising minimum is $2,500.
October 1.
You may either personally cover the difference between what you have raised and your fundraising minimum, or you can choose not to run. The Chicago Marathon is a very important fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, and the funds raised impact the lives of millions of children and families around the globe.
We receive a limited number of Chicago Marathon entries; therefore, it is very important that everyone sees their commitment through.
In instances where the fundraising minimums are not met by October 1st, we will pull bibs. You will be able to visit the Ronald McDonald House booth at the Expo and obtain your bib by donating via credit card to cover the shortfall.
*Please note, this is a practice required by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon to establish an equitable fundraising environment.
Injury Clause & Exceptions
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:
$750 before July 1 / $1,250 by August 1 / $2,500 after August 1
You must declare the Injury Clause by August 1, 2027 to receive a fundraising reduction. After August 1, you will be responsible for fundraising your full commitment.
To activate the Injury Clause, you must complete THIS FORM by August 1, 2027 at 11:59 pm.
You may either personally cover the difference between what you have raised and your fundraising minimum or you can continue fundraising until the campaign closes on 11/30/27.
Donations & Tax Information
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 the donor’s name and contact information to [email protected] . From there, our development team will be able to help you troubleshoot. Please allow 5-7 business days for assistance.
While we encourage online donations whenever possible, we request that checks be made payable to “Ronald McDonald House” and that the words “Team Ronald McDonald House—(your name)” are included on the memo line on the face of the check.
Mail checks to:
Ronald McDonald House, Inc.
Attn: Team Ronald McDonald House
26345 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1263
Once received, accounting will “confirm” the gift. Note that once checks are confirmed, it takes a minimum of 5-7 business days for them to be processed and reflected on your fundraising page.
Donors will receive charitable tax receipt letters for donations made via check. Donors who make contributions online will receive an online gift receipt.
Donors can note their “Matching Gift Information” at the bottom of the donation form to indicate they will be asking their employer to “match” their donation.
Once the matching donation is received by us, we’ll apply it to your fundraising total. Please note companies often process employee matching gift requests on a quarterly basis. Once a check is received at Ronald McDonald House, it takes a minimum of 10 business days to be reflected on your fundraising page.
Checking the “matching gift” box only alerts Ronald McDonald House to the potential for a match. Each donor must work within their company’s matching gift policy to secure the donation.
All donors must use “Team Ronald McDonald House” and the runner’s name wherever possible when completing their company’s matching gift application. Ronald McDonald House is fortunate to receive many matching gifts, and we want to be sure we can identify those associated with your fundraising efforts.
Ronald McDonald House IRS Tax ID#: 36-2934689
If a donor’s employer needs any additional information from us or needs us to verify receipt of the donor’s gift to Ronald McDonald House, please have them contact [email protected] .
Yes, donations must 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.
Hospitality & Event Perks
Team Ronald McDonald House hospitality tent is one of the largest perks to running with our team and this year it is located in close proximity to the start corrals and the finish line at the SW corner of Jackson and Columbus.
We offer a huge, heated tent with private gear check, pre-race breakfast and snacks, post-race lunch, drinks, a DJ, massage therapists, and the best post-race party in town!
The Team hospitality tent also serves as a meeting place for our runners to reunite with guests. The number of guests permitted depends on several factors including the number of runners and volunteers participating. Ronald McDonald House will share additional information as the event approaches.
*Hospitality amenities are subject to change.
Dinner will be held at the Marriott Marquis McCormick Place. The dinner is free to all Team Ronald McDonald House runners as a “Thank you” on behalf of the children and families served by Ronald McDonald House.
We will share additional information about the number of guests, cost, and menu as the event approaches.
*Pasta Dinner is subject to change.
Health & Safety
Stay updated on race guidelines by visiting the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Event Rules & Safety Page .
Community
There is a private page for Team Ronald McDonald House runners to connect, share inspiring stories, tips, and motivate one another. Join us!
Find us on Instagram @TeamRonaldMcDonaldHouse .
Please sign up at run.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org .
Additional questions or concerns may be emailed to Katie Marchetti at [email protected] with name and email for anyone that wishes to volunteer.
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