2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Fundraising

After registering, you will be assigned your own personal Web page on the Fred's Team system. This page can be used for online fundraising. You can personalize this page with your own words and photos. Please visit our fundraising section for more information.

There are two levels of commitment for Fred's Team Chicago:

Level One: $2,000

• Half of your fundraising commitment -- $1,000 -- is due by August 8, 2008.
• Fulfillment of your $2,000 commitment is due by Friday, September 26, 2008.

Level Two: $3,500

• Includes a two-night hotel stay during race weekend.
• Half of your fundraising commitment -- $1,750 -- is due by August 8, 2008.
• Fulfillment of your $3,500 commitment is due by Friday, September 26, 2008.

*NOTE: Only runners at the $3,500 level are eligible for a two-night hotel stay during marathon weekend.

Donations by Mail

If you prefer to mail donations, please send donations with your Runner ID and Race Code (E08MPDCH) to:

Fred's Team/MSKCC
P.O. Box 27432
New York, NY 10087-7432

Note: Please include your runner ID and race code on every check to ensure your pledge is properly credited. Please call us at 800-876-7522 if you have any questions.

Fundraising Deadline Policy

Funds for the Chicago Marathon are due by September 26, 2008. (Returning Fred's Team members, please note that this deadline is earlier than in previous years.) This deadline is in place to ensure that every runner fulfills his or her fundraising commitment. If funds are not received by the deadline, we reserve the right to cancel your entry with the respective marathon.

If you have any questions about the policy, please e-mail us at fredsteam@mskcc.org

Training

Fred's team members will receive a training schedule and have access to our team coach for running, nutrition, and tapering advice. For more information, please visit our Training section.

For Chicago-area residents, Fred's Team will provide access to the Chicago Area Runners Association's (CARA) Marathon Training Program. CARA is a not-for-profit advocacy group for runners of all abilities. CARA produces training programs, upgrades the quality of races, secures discounts on running gear, and promotes safe running conditions on paths and trails.

CARA's Bank of America Chicago Marathon Training Program is the nation's largest program of its kind. Whether you're a first-time marathoner or a veteran, the 18-week training will prepare you mentally and physically for the world's premier 26.2 mile race. Please visit www.cararuns.org for more details.

In addition to your CARA membership, New York area runners may train together under the advice of Coach Jeff Rochford. Click here for additional training details.

Amenities for Fred's Team Chicago

Fred's Team members who participate in 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and raise at least $3,500 by the required fundraising deadlines will receive a two-night hotel stay during marathon weekend.*

Fred's Team member perks/activities include:

• Fred's Team uniform (upon reaching the halfway point of fundraising)
• An invitation to the Fred's Team pre-race pasta party
• Transportation to the start of the race
• Team photo outside the Fred's Team tent in the Charity Village
• Pre-race breakfast/uniform decorating in the VIP Fred's Team tent in the Charity Village
• Post-race lunch in the VIP Fred's Team tent in the Charity Village

There will be a marathon-sponsored post-race party that the Team will attend as a group. Fred's Team is an official participating charity in 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This allows members to enjoy the Charity Village and the VIP Fred's Team tent with refreshments.

*Fred's Team runners are responsible for their own travel to and from Chicago.

About the Race

2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a flat, loop course that starts and finishes in Grant Park. This course is one of the fastest in the world. Runners are cheered on by enthusiastic crowds in 17 unique neighborhoods. Aid stations are available every one to one and half miles, with water and Gatorade provided. Runners will have six hours to complete the course.