Fundraising Milestones and Deadlines

Within 30 days of application approval

Marathon Registration

When you apply to run with Mercy Home Heroes and are approved, this only gives you access to your fundraising page. You still need to register for the Marathon – it’s this step that secured your spot in the race. Mercy Home pays for your registration but requires that the first fundraising milestone ($250) is reached before the unique registration link for our team is sent. Note: team will sell out and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. We recommend that you reach this milestone on or before April 15

Within 60 days of application approval

Training Registration

Mercy Home, through a partnership with the Chicago Area Runners Association, makes a marathon training plan, and in-person group training for local athletes, available. Mercy Home offers this benefit at no cost but requires that the second fundraising milestone ($425) is reached before the unique registration link for our team is sent. Final Deadline: June 30, although training begins the week June 9. All those who are registered for in-person group training by May 15 will have their training packet mailed.

March 7

(at 5 p.m. CST)

Spring incentive 

All those fully onboarded and at or above $500, receive a pair of Heroes custom running crew socks plus entry into a grand prize drawing for a Brooks prize package (up to $500 value) from Dick Pond Athletics

June 6

(at 5 p.m. CDT)

Pre-Training incentive 

All those at or above $1,000, receive a Heroes custom Nalgene water bottle plus entry into a grand prize drawing for a free pair of running shoes (up to $150 value) from Dick Pond Athletics

July 11

(at 12 p.m. CDT)

Final Day to Withdraw (and be released from fundraising commitment)

Anyone with any issue that will prevent them from participating in the marathon or having second thoughts may withdraw from the team by this date and will be released from their fundraising commitment provided we are able to fill the spot with someone from the waiting list.. 

September 12

(at 5 p.m. CDT)

One Month Out incentive

All of those at or above the minimum fundraising commitment will be entered in a grand prize drawing for a Brooks prize package (up to $500 value) from Dick Pond Athletics, plus 10 runners up with receive another surprise gift.

September 26

(at 5 p.m. CDT)

Preliminary Bib Pull List due to the Marathon

Two weeks prior to marathon weekend, we are asked to provide the marathon with a list of our runners who have not yet met their fundraising commitment.

October 7 

(at 12 p.m. CDT)

FUNDRAISING DEADLINE FOR ALL

While fundraising pages will remain open until the end of the month, everyone is expected to fulfill their fundraising minimum by this time. Anyone who has not met this deadline will be charged for the remaining balance.

There are incentive prizes for those who exceed it as follows:

• By $500 or more: Custom Heroes Sprints hat

• By $1,000 or more: Custom Heroes Winter beanie, plus above

• By $3,500 or more: Custom Heroes Backpack or Duffle, plus all above

• By $7,500 or more: Custom Heroes Jacket, plus all above

October 8

Bib Pull Day

The marathon bibs for anyone who has still not met their minimum fundraising agreement (charging of balance was unsuccessful), will be pulled and held by the marathon until we issue permission for it to be released to the runner.

October 9-11

Abbott Health & Fitness Expo

All marathon runners are required to attend and pick up their own bib. If your bib has been pulled, you will be asked to come to our booth to settle your balance so we can provide permission for release of your bib.