Team Red Cross

Team Red Cross brings together runners of all ages and abilities in support of the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

Team Red Cross prepares runners for success in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon while also providing a rewarding charitable-giving experience.

Interested in Joining Team Red Cross for the 2023 Chicago Marathon?

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Runners receive the following benefits for running the Chicago Marathon with the Red Cross:

Guaranteed entry to the 2023 Chicago Marathon
Complimentary marathon training program
Team Red Cross running singlet

For more information about joining Team Red Cross for the 2023 Chicago Marathon or if you are interested in sponsoring our Marathon team, please contact ChicagoTRC@redcross.org.

Team Red Cross Opportunities

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Team Red Cross prepares runners for success in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, while also providing a rewarding charitable-giving experience. Please join in October 8, 2023 to participate in this extraordinary race, which is one of the six World Majors.

Team Red Cross runners are required to raise a minimum of $1,250 if you register prior to the Marathon drawing, and $1,750 if you register after the drawing. Note: this is the mandatory fundraising minimum for ALL charities.

The money you raise as part of this program will support our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. You can provide vital resources that will go directly to our lifesaving mission. You can make a difference.

Donate to the Team

All funds raised by Team Red Cross benefit American Red Cross programs and services throughout the Illinois Region. When a child needs a blanket after a disaster, when a blood transfusion is received for a cancer patient, when a member of the armed forces receives support for their family, when a life is saved by CPR, the Red Cross is there because of the generosity of people like YOU.

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Paul Madison experienced a family tragedy and received help from the American Red Cross. In 2017, he ran his first marathon to support the Red Cross and military families.

Steve Paluck is giving back to the Red Cross after donated blood from strangers saved his life as a child. In 2019, he ran the Chicago Marathon for the second time.

Team Red Cross FAQ's

What is the mission of the Red Cross?

The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

What is Team Red Cross?

Team Red Cross brings together runners of all ages and abilities in support of the American Red Cross mission. Team Red Cross prepares runners for success in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon while also providing a rewarding charitable giving experience. Each runner agrees to fundraise or donate a minimum amount to the Red Cross to support the Red Cross mission.

What races can you run as part of Team Red Cross?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

When does the races take place?

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place Sunday, October 8, 2023.

How do you register for the Chicago Marathon with Team Red Cross?

Please contact ChicagoTRC@redcross.org.

How much do you have to fundraise for the Chicago Marathon?

Runners who register before the Marathon drawing closes must fundraise a minimum of $1,250.

Runners who register after the Marathon drawing must fundraise a minimum of $1,750.

Please note: Our registration minimums are the same as ALL charities for the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

What if I am a Team Red Cross alumni runner?

Team Red Cross alumni runners agree to fundraise a minimum of $1,250 no matter when they register for the race.

Is the entry fee for the Marathon included?

The Marathon entry fee is included when signing up with Team Red Cross.

What do I get for running the Chicago Marathon with the Red Cross?

Runners receive the following benefits:

Guaranteed entry to the 2023 Chicago Marathon
Complimentary marathon training program
Team Red Cross running singlet

I’ve never fundraised before. How can the Red Cross help?

We help runners fundraise through an online site called DonorDrive. This site allows family and friends to donate to your cause and helps you reach your fundraising goal. The Red Cross also provides fundraising tips and access to 1-1 fundraising support along the way to easily help you with your goal.

What happens if I cannot fundraise the full amount?

When registering with Team Red Cross, you are committing to personally give and/or fundraise to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. If you do not reach the fundraising minimum, you are authorizing the Red Cross to charge the difference to the credit card provided.

What happens if I get injured? Do I get a refund?

When you accept a spot on Team Red Cross, you are taking an entry that we cannot refill if you drop out. Our charity counts on each runner to raise the fundraising minimum to support our mission. It is critical that each runner understands that their cancelation has a serious impact on the charity.

If you can no longer run in the 2023 Chicago Marathon for any reason, you accept responsibility for raising and/or personally donating half of the fundraising minimum to the American Red Cross if you cancel by July 14, 2023. If you cancel after July 14, 2023, you accept responsibility for raising and/or personally donating the entire fundraising minimum to the American Red Cross.

I’m already registered for the Marathon. Can I still join Team Red Cross?

Absolutely! Runners who are already registered and have an entry to the Marathon can still join Team Red Cross. We require a minimum fundraising goal of $500 to receive Team Red Cross runner benefits.

How does American Red Cross use the funds that I raise?

All donations support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. Your incredible support allows the Red Cross to serve millions of people during times of disaster, instruct CPR and First aid, support military families and veterans, and maintain our nation’s blood supply. The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.