What is the Advocate Health Care charity running team?
The charity running team provides an opportunity for runners to merge passion with a purpose—bettering yourself while also bettering the lives of those in need. The Advocate Health Care charity running team is comprised of team members, patients, corporate partners, community members and those who are passionate about health care.
Who can participate?
Anyone can participate! Our team is comprised of Advocate Health Care employees, patients and those who are passionate about health care. We have members join from all over the country and internationally. Participants must be 16 years or older as of October 11, 2026. We encourage you to check with your doctor to make sure you are physically able to participate in an endurance event before signing up.
Registration
How much does it cost to join the Advocate Health Care Chicago Marathon charity running team?
There is no cost to join the team as Advocate Health Care covers the $250 registration fee for U.S. residents including District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, and $260 registration fee for non-U.S. residents. When you join the team you will be committed to meet a fundraising minimum determined by your registration date in accordance with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon regulations.
Where do I sign up for the charity running team?
Registration for Team Advocate includes a two-step application process. The first application can be found by clicking the register button in the upper right corner of our webpage or by selecting Sign Up. Here you will choose to register as an individual, form a team, or join a team. Reminder each individual runner is responsible for reaching their fundraising minimum, see the below section for more information.
The second application is required for your entry with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and will be provided in the confirmation email following completion of the first application through our Advocate Health Care website.
What is the official Bank of America Chicago Marathon website?
You can find out more information regarding the Chicago Marathon on the official website. All team members will be sent a custom link to use to register for the race once they become a member of the Advocate Health Care charity running team.
Fundraising
What is the minimum fundraising amount and what is the deadline to fundraise?
- Runners who join our team through a charity entry will be required to fundraise a minimum of $2,200.
- Runners who join our team and secured their own entry through lottery, legacy runner, Chicago Distance Series or timed qualifier, will not have a required minimum however are encouraged to fundraise. Please connect with Jacquelyn at acf-CharityTeam@aah.orgfor more information.
Other deadlines have been set to keep runners on track with fundraising:
- June 1 - 25% of your fundraising minimum (suggested deadline)
- August 1 - 50% of your fundraising minimum (suggested deadline)
- September 11 - 100% of your fundraising minimum (firm deadline)
If I create or join a team does the fundraising minimum change?
No. Each individual who completes the registration for Team Advocate will be responsible for reaching the required minimum.
I completed the application on the Advocate Health Care website but do not have access to my fundraising page, what should I do?
First, please confirm that you completed the second (required) application through the unique link provided in your confirmation email. If you did not, please complete the application and once approved your fundraising page will be activated.
If you did complete the second application and still experience issues, please email acf-CharityTeam@aah.org and we can assist.
What happens if I do not reach my minimum fundraising goal by September 11, 2026?
If your minimum fundraising amount is not received on or before September 11, 2026, the result will be your bib being "pulled" from the event, therefore not allowing you to participate until the amount is paid in full.
What happens with the money I raise as a charity running team member?
Funds raised through the charity running team go directly to the program the runner selects. These programs use the funds to expand access to care, enhance our patients’ experience, enable innovation and improve health outcomes.
How can my supporters make a donation?
The fastest and easiest way for your supporters to make a donation on your behalf is to refer them to the personal fundraising page you create on this website. If they prefer, they can write a check to Advocate Charitable Foundation with your name on the memo line and mail it to:
2026 Chicago Marathon
Advocate Charitable Foundation
2025 Windsor Drive
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Are donations made on my behalf tax deductible? Will my contributors receive a gift receipt?
Yes, all donations in which no goods or services are received are 100% tax deductible. Donors will receive an emailed gift receipt and acknowledgement letter.
In the event I need to cancel my entry whether due to injury, family commitment, work obligation, etc., with Team Advocate, can I defer to 2027?
No, Charity entries cannot be deferred to the following year per the event rules set by Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Are there cancellation options for participants who are or recently have been pregnant?
Advocate Health Care follows the event policies set by Bank of America Chicago Marathon, therefore there is an exception with our team to permit deferral due to being pregnant, recently pregnant or postpartum.
Are there exceptions if medical documentation is provided?
No. In following the event rules set by Bank of America Chicago Marathon, there are no exceptions.
I cancelled my entry but something has changed and I can not participate, can I undo my decision?
No. Once you have cancelled your registration it cannot be undone.
What online fundraising tools are available to charity running team members?
After team members create a personal fundraising page, they will gain access to free online tools and tips to help them reach and exceed their fundraising goals. This includes sample e-mail templates, social media posts and images and general fundraising ideas. Visit the Fundraising Tips page for all your fundraising resources.
How can I find out if my company offers a matching gift?
First, check with your human resources department to see if your company has a matching gift program. If so, be sure to clarify any restrictions. Make sure that they match for health organizations. Fill out your company's matching gift from and send it to the Advocate Charitable Foundation with your donation. Ask your donors to check with their employers to see if they can get their gifts matched as well!
How can I check my personal fundraising totals?
Log in to the Participant Center at any time to track your fundraising progress. When a donation is made online, it is processed automatically and added to your fundraising total. You can enter offline donations in your participant center.
Race Day Details
When is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
When will I receive my charity running team Chicago Marathon shirt?
Team shirts will be ordered in the summer and mailed to participants. More information will be provided at a later date.
When can I pick up my bib number and packet?
All packets must be picked up in-person by the runner during the Chicago Marathon Health & Fitness Expo (Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10) at McCormick Place. Everyone is required to pick up their own bibs for safety and security reasons, bibs will not be mailed to participants. All participant packet pick-up details will be provided by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon race organizers. If you are a runner who has failed to reach your fundraising minimum by the Expo, your bib will be pulled until the amount is paid in full. More details will be provided.
Does the Advocate Health Care charity running team host a tent on race day?
Yes! Our tent is located near the start corrals and offers an area for private gear check and pre-race refreshments. This is a great place for your friends and family to meet you post-race. Directions and a map will be provided at a later date to all runners.
Who can I contact for more information?
