What races can I run?

The Anti-Cruelty Society is an affiliate level charity partner with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with a limited number of guaranteed entries. You may also run any other marathon or half marathon of your choice and fundraise for Team Anti-Cruelty.

 

What is the fundraising minimum?

If you sign up to run for Team Anti-Cruelty from March 8 - April 12, your fundraising minimum is $1,000. If you sign up after the lottery has been announced, your fundraising minimum is $1,500. The amounts are set and enforced by Bank of America.

 

If I register with you am I automatically registered for the Chicago Marathon?

NO. In order to secure a spot in the Marathon you must register on the Marathon website as well as the Team Anti-Cruelty site. We are NOT able to register for the Marathon, you must do so yourself.

 

Do you pay my marathon registration fee?

Only if you are a returning team member do we pay your $185 marathon registration fee.

 

Is training included when I join Team Anti-Cruelty?

If you would like to participate in a training program, we offer training with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) and Chicago Endurance Sports (CES). In order to help offset the cost, we ask that each runner make an effort to raise additional funds over the $1,000 or $1,500 minimum.

 

If you are interested in private coaching with Coach Mark Buciak, you can learn more about his services here.

 

If something happens and I can’t participate in the event I signed up for, am I still required to reach my fundraising minimum?

Yes. While we understand unforeseen circumstances such as injuries, personal challenges, or other unexpected life changes happen, our budget already reflects our projected revenue for the year so we expect each team member to honor their commitment to Team Anti-Cruelty and to raise their minimum.

 

Will Team Anti-Cruelty charge my credit card if I do not raise the minimum funds required?
Yes. All participants are liable for their fundraising minimum and will be charged the remainder of the funds by Monday, October 31. No exceptions can be made since these entries are highly coveted and budgeted for in advance. We budget for the year based on the number of entries we receive and cannot make exceptions on our fundraising guidelines. Again, these revenues are already reflected in our budget. The animals are depending on you to follow through with your commitment to raising these funds.

 

What if I’m not sure that I can raise the full amount? I’m not good at asking people for money.

Remember, you’re not asking for money for yourself, you’re asking for the animals! We offer plenty of resources, tips, ideas, and opportunities to help you raise your funds.