Race Information

Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Race for the Cure
Saturday, September 25, 2010
8:15 am start time for Runner
8:30 am start time for Walkers 
Grant Park, Chicago, IL
Join the Chicago Race for the Cure Event on Facebook
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Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Race for the Cure
Sunday, September 26, 2010
8:15 am start time for Runners
8:30 am start time for Walkers 
Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL
Join the Lombard Race for the Cure Event on Facebook
and get important updates and fundraising tips.

The Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Race for the Cure is one of the city’s largest, most exuberant outdoor events. Our participants are deeply committed to the fight to end breast cancer and many return year after year to show their support. In 2009, more than 10,000 people gathered in Grant Park to celebrate survivorship and remember those lost to the disease. Many local television and radio personalities were on hand to take part in the event, and Governor Quinn was presented the Komen Champion for the Cure Award for his commitment to address breast health disparities in the city of Chicago.

In 2010, the Affiliate proudly introduces the addition of a second Race and have partnered with the Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL to bring the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to the suburbs. Both events will take place on the same weekend, thus providing additional exposure and visibility for our proud corporate partners. Komen Chicagoland Affiliate and your company will work together to determine the best way to increase your company’s exposure at both the Komen Chicagoland Race for the Cure events.

More About the Chicago Race…
More About the Lombard Race…

Event Activities
Coming Soon!

FAQs:
Event FAQ
Fundraising FAQ
Donor FAQ
Teams FAQ
Race Day FAQ
Matching Gifts FAQ

Event FAQ

1. How do I register for the Susan G. Komen Chicago?
2. How long is the race and when does it start?
3. What do volunteers do?
4. Are there volunteer opportunities for groups? How do we register as a group?
5. Where can I get Race for the Cure brochures and posters?
6. How will I receive my Event Kit with T-shirt?
7. I can no longer participate. May I transfer my registration to someone else?
8. How do I volunteer for the event?
9. What is the deadline for registering?
10. How much does it cost to participate in the 2010 Komen Chicago Race?
11. Do I have to collect donations in order to participate in the Race?
12. Does the Komen Chicago Race recognize breast cancer survivors?

1. How do I register for the Susan G. Komen Chicago Race for the Cure?

Click on Register to get to the online registration form. The first step is to decide in which Race you want to participate- Chicago Race on September 25 or Lombard Race on September 26. The next step is to select whether you want to register as an individual, form a team or join an existing team. Then you will need to select your participation type before continuing with the rest of the form. Note that if you already have a contact record in the Komen for the Cure database, you must log in with your username and password before registering. Don't know your username and/or password? Click here to have it e-mailed to you. If you have problems registering online, please call the Race for the Cure Staff at 1-888-470-6374.


2. How long is the Race?

The Race has a 10K route (for timed runners only), and 5K route for timed runners and (un-timed) walkers & kids, and a 1-mile route for (un-timed) walkers & kids. Runners will start at 8:15 am and walkers will follow at 8:30 am.


3. What do volunteers do?

The success of the Race depends heavily on the support we receive from more than a thousand volunteers in the months leading up to the Race and on Race Day. There are many ways you can get involved.


4. Are there volunteer opportunities for groups? How do we register as a group?

We welcome all groups who want to help on Race Day. The first step is to register yourself as a volunteer. If you have a large group and you would like to be kept together on Race Day, you can let us know when you sign up for a specific volunteer opportunity.


5. Where can I get Race for the Cure brochures and posters?

Please call the Affiliate Office at 773-444-0061 or email race@komenchicago.org


6. How will I receive my Event Kit with T-shirt?

Event Kits will be mailed directly to the address used to register in mid-August. We will not bundle team Event Kits. For further Event Kit questions, please call the Race staff at 1-888-470-6374.


7. I can no longer participate. May I transfer my registration to someone else?

Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if you are unable to participate on Race Day.


8. How do I volunteer for the event?

If you are interested in volunteering, you must register as a volunteer. There is no registration fee.


9. What is the deadline for registering?

Read our Important Deadlines for full details.


10. How much does it cost to participate in the 2010 Komen Chicago Race?

*The registration fee includes an official Race T-shirt as well as free home delivery of the Event Kit (T-shirt and bib) if the participant has registered on or before September 1, 2010. Race Day Volunteers will receive a complimentary volunteer T-shirt on Race Day.



1. Do I have to collect donations in order to participate in the Race?

No. However, please know that the registration fee will get you to the starting line, but it’s the fundraising dollars that will help find the cures for breast cancer. Not only do donations make an impact, you start earning some great fundraising rewards once you’ve raised your first $250 in donations! Click here to view the rewards.


2. Does the Komen Chicago Race recognize breast cancer survivors?

Yes! Survivors remind us all that participating in this event is a part of a bigger race to find the cures for breast cancer. Survivors are recognized in a number of ways:
   • Survivors receive a complimentary pink cap and pink T-shirt in their Race Packet.
   • Survivors are welcomed to a special Survivor Tent on Race Day where they can enjoy light refreshments and receive a special survivor goody bag.
   • “In Celebration of” and “In Memory of” pink back tags are available at the Race to pay tribute to loved ones and friends affected by breast cancer.

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Fundraising FAQ

1. Is there a fundraising requirement?
2. If I don’t participate in the event, what happens to the money I have raised?
3. What kind of fundraising rewards can I earn?
4. How are fundraising totals calculated?
5. What is a matching gift and how do I apply for one?
6. What is the deadline for sending in donations?
7. Can volunteers fundraise?
8. What’s the difference between a Team Donation Form and an Individual Participant Donation Form?
9. Is my registration tax-deductible?
10. Does my registration fee count as a portion of my fundraising efforts?
11. How are the fundraising proceeds used?
12. Can I send in cash donations?

1. Is there a fundraising requirement?

No. However, please know that the registration fee will get you to the starting line, but it’s the fundraising dollars that will help find the cures for breast cancer. We encourage everyone to raise at least $250. Last year, participants who fundraised brought in an average of $60 each. Once you’ve hit your fundraising goal – set a new one! You begin earning fundraising rewards once you’ve raised your first $250. Thousands of others just like you have done it and we know you can too! Please know that if you fall short of your goal, we will still happily welcome you on the event. Learn how easy it is to start fundraising.


2. If I don’t participate in the event, what happens to the money I have raised?

All donations to the Komen Chicago Race are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you are unable to participate in the event, your donations cannot be refunded nor can they be transferred to another participant. Your donations will go directly to the cause as if you had participated, and we hope your donors will appreciate supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure regardless of your participation in the actual event.


3. What kind of fundraising rewards can I earn?
   

Visit our Fundraising Rewards Page for full details or click here to view the rewards.


4. How are fundraising totals calculated?

For the purposes of fundraising rewards, team fundraising totals will include donations made to the team as well as donations made to each of the team members. Individual fundraising totals will only include donations made to that individual (not to a team).


5. What is a matching gift and how do I apply for one?

A matching gift is when a person makes a donation to a nonprofit organization and their employer donates an equal or greater amount to the same group. A matching gift is a great way for a donor to double his or her contribution to the fight against breast cancer. Visit the Matching Gift Information page for complete details on how to apply for a matching gift.


6. What is the deadline for sending in donations?

Visit our Important Deadlines page for complete details.


7. Can volunteers fundraise?

Yes. Volunteers are also eligible for fundraising rewards.


8. What’s the difference between a Team Donation Form and an Individual Participant Donation Form?

A team donation form should be used for donations that you do NOT want to credit to an individual team member’s fundraising account. Donations that are submitted using the Team Donation Form cannot be split amongst individual accounts and will not count towards individual fundraising rewards. Team members must use their Individual Participant Donation Form if they want the donations to count towards earning their fundraising rewards. Note: All individual team member donations are included in the team donation total.


9. Is my registration tax-deductible?

No. Registration fees are not tax-deductible, however, any donations that you make to your own fundraising account may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted under the law.


10. Does my registration fee count as a portion of my fundraising efforts?

No. Your registration fee does not count towards your fundraising total.


11. How are the fundraising proceeds used?

75 percent of the Komen Chicago Race’s net income remains in the Chicagoland area to fund local screening, treatment and education programs for the medically underserved through the Community Grant Program. The remaining 25 percent goes to fund national research to discover the causes of breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures.


12. Can I send in cash donations?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash donations. If you happen to receive a cash donation, we advise you to do one of the following:

1. Ask the donor if, instead, he or she could make a credit card donation online (preferred), or to write a check instead. Please submit the check donation along with an individual participant donation form or a team donation form.
2. Exchange the cash for a cashier’s check at your local bank. Then mail the check along with a donation form. Your donors will still receive a receipt as long as you get separate checks for each donation, and if the donor’s information appears on the donation form and he or she provides a valid email address.
3. Keep the donor’s cash and make a personal credit card donation online or write a personal check for the exact amount and mail that donation along with a donation form. This option is ideal for those situations where you collect a lot of smaller cash donations (like at a garage sale). If you choose this option, please be advised that your donors will not receive a receipt for their donations (and, thus, the donations would not be tax deductible).

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Donor FAQ

1. How do I find a participant's personal fundraising Web page?
2. Why is the “Donate” search not finding a participant I'm looking for?
3. Where should I mail donation checks?
4. Where do I get a donation form?
5. Who should I make my check out to?
6. Are donations tax-deductible in the United States?
7. Do donations made to Chicago Race for the Cure qualify for tax deductions in other countries?
8. Are registration fees tax-deductible?
9. How are the fundraising proceeds used?
10. Can the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure accept international donations?
11. For international donations made online with a credit card, will the amount entered in the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure online donation form be in U.S. dollars?
12. Can a donor give stock as a donation?
13. Do all donors receive a receipt?
14. How do I make a donation to a team?
15. Can I donate cash?

1. How do I find a participant's personal fundraising Web page?

Click on Donate and search by their first or last name.


2. Why is the “Donate” search not finding a participant I'm looking for?

If you are not entering the name exactly the way it appears in our database, the search will yield no results. Try entering just the first few letters of the participant's name to get more results.


3. Where should I mail donation checks?

Donations made by check may be sent via mail and must be accompanied by either a Donation Form so that we can credit the appropriate participant or team. The checks and forms should be mailed to:
Komen Chicago Race for the Cure
*Sorry, no cash. Credit card donations can ONLY be made online.


4. Where do I get a donation form?

Donors: You may obtain a printed donation form from the participant you are sponsoring, or you may donate online without a form.
Participants: Individual Participant Donation Forms for the 2010 Komen Chicago can be downloaded here.


5. Who should I make my check out to?

Please make all checks payable to: “Susan G. Komen Chicago Race for the Cure” or “Komen Chicago Race”


6. Are donations tax-deductible in the United States?

Yes. All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by United States law.


7. Do donations made to the Chicago Race for the Cure qualify for tax deductions in other countries?

Donations made to Chicago Race for the Cure may not qualify for tax deductions in other countries. Please check with a tax professional for laws specific to your country.


8. Are registration fees tax-deductible?

No. Registration fees are not tax-deductible.


9. How are the fundraising proceeds used?

75 percent of the funds raised at the Race remains here in the Chicagoland area to provide breast health research, diagnostics, screening, treatment, services and education for uninsured or underinsured women.  The remaining 25 percent goes to fund national research to discover the causes of breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures. For more information, visit our Community Grant Profile…


10. Can the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure accept international donations?

Yes, international donations can be made by credit card online. Canadian checks are also accepted as a mailed in donation.


11. For international donations made online with a credit card, will the amount entered in the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure online donation form be in U.S. dollars?

Yes. For international donations made online with a credit card, the amount entered in the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure online donation form should be in U.S. dollars.


12. Can a donor give stock as a donation?

Yes. The Komen Chicago Race for the Cure accepts donations of stock. Stock donations must be $500 or more in fair market value and publicly traded. For donations of stock with an active market, the fair market value is the average price between highest and lowest selling price on the valuation date. No fees are deducted from the calculation of fair market value. To make a donation of stock to the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure please email info@komenchicago.org for more information.


13. Do all donors receive a receipt?

Anyone who donates, regardless of the amount, will receive a receipt if they provide a valid email address. For those who donate online, the receipt is generated directly after the donation is made and donors can print that receipt for tax purposes or personal records. For those who mail in a donation and provide a valid email address, the receipt is generated once the donation has been processed and is emailed to the donor. If a valid email address is not provided, we will mail receipts to donors who make a donation of $250 or more.


14. How do I make a donation to a team?

Click on Donate to a Participant or Team and search by the team name. If you make a donation to a team, it will contribute to the fundraising goal of the entire team but will not contribute to an individual team member’s goal.


15. Can I donate cash?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash donations. If you happen to receive a cash donation, we advise you to do one of the following:
1. Ask the donor if, instead, they could make a credit card donation online (preferred), or to write a check instead. Please submit the check donation along with a individual participant donation form or a team donation form.
2. Exchange the cash for a cashier’s check at your local bank. Then mail the check along with a donation form. Your donors will still receive a receipt as long as you get separate checks for each donation, and if the donor’s information appears on the donation form and they provide a valid email address.
3. Keep the donor’s cash and make a personal credit card donation online or write a personal check for the exact amount and mail that donation along with a donation form. This option is ideal for those situations where you collect a lot of smaller cash donations (like at a garage sale). If you choose this option, please be advised that your donors will not receive a receipt for their donation (and, thus, the donation would not be tax deductible).

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Teams FAQ

1. How do I join or form a team?
2. One of my team members registered as an individual when they meant to join my team. How do they correct this?
3. Where do I get my Team Donation Form?

1. Can donations made to a team be split or shared among team members?
2. What do I do with cash donations that my team receives?
3. Can my team’s Event Kits be bundled together for delivery or pick-up?
4. Where do we meet on Race Day?

1. How do I join or form a team?

If you haven't registered for the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure yet, you may register online and select “Start a Team” or "Join a Team." Search for the name of the team you want to join and select it. If you are already registered for the Komen Chicago Race, you need to contact a staff member if you want to form or join a team. Participants may form or be added to a team by sending their name and the name of the team to teams@komenchicago.org or by calling 1-773-444-0061.  For step-by-step directions on registering a team, click here.


2. One of my team members registered as an individual when they meant to join my team. How do they correct this?

Send an e-mail to teams@komenchicago.org with their name and the team name they’d like to be added to.


3. Where do I get my Team Donation Form?

The team donation form is e-mailed to the Team Captain on the day that they registered online (or on the day the registration form was processed), or download it here. Please note: You must have the team code on the form in order for your team to be credited. Only the Team Captain can find their team code in their Participant Center.


4. What’s the difference between a Team Donation Form and an Individual Participant Donation Form?

Your team donation form should be used for donations that you do NOT want to credit to an individual team member’s fundraising account. Donations that are submitted using the Team Donation Form cannot be split amongst individual accounts and will not count towards individual fundraising rewards. Team members must use their Individual Participant Donation Form if they want the donations to count towards earning their fundraising rewards. Note: All individual team member donations are included in the team donation total.


5. Can donations made to a team be split or shared among team members?

We are unable to split or transfer donations between individual and team accounts.


6. What do I do with cash donations that my team receives?

Cash donations may only be submitted in-person on Race Day at the “Donation/Pledge Drop-Off” Tent. We do not recommend cash donations.


7. Can my team’s Race packet be bundled together for delivery or pick-up?

No. Race packets will be mailed to each individual team member at the address they provided during registration if they register before the deadline listed on the Important Deadlines page. Team members who register after the deadline will need to come to Packet Pick-Up to get their T-shirt and bib, OR someone else may pick up the Packet on their behalf , but we recommend they have a printed copy of the participant’s e-mail confirmation that they received when they registered for the event.


8. Where do we meet on Race Day?

There will be a designated Team Meeting Area, however the team captain will need to designate a specific area to meet.



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Race Day FAQ

1. What if it rains?
2. Will my participation in the Race be timed?
3. Are pets and strollers allowed on the event?
4. What should I bring to the event?
5. How should I plan to get to the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure?
6. Are inline skates, bikes, scooters, skateboards, pets or strollers allowed at the Race?


1. What if it rains?

The event will happen rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. Komen Chicago reserves the right to cancel the event in an extreme circumstance.  In that event, there will be no refunds, rather, your entry fee will be used as a donation.

2. Will my participation in the Race be timed?

Only those who register as a runner will receive a timing chip in their Event Kit. An additional $5 timing chip fee is included in the runner registration fee.


3. Are pets and strollers allowed on the event?

Pets are prohibited from the event, but strollers are permitted.


4. What should I bring to the event?

We suggest that you bring:
- water bottle
- comfortable shoes
- appropriate clothing for weather
- any additional donations


5. How should I plan to get to the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure?

Public transportation is the recommended method to get to the Chicago Race http://www.transitchicago.com/ or public parking garages http://www.chicagoparkingmap.com/ .  Ample parking will be available at Yorktown in Lombard.


6. Are inline skates, bikes, scooters, or skateboards allowed at the Race?

Inline skates, bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed at the Race.



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Matching Gift FAQ

1. What is a matching gift?
2. How do I know if a company will offer a matching gift for a donation?
3. How does a donor apply for a matching gift?
4. What is the Matching Gift Checklist?
5. The matching gift company has a list of nonprofit organizations to choose from; which name should I pick?
6. Can a donor mail the matching gift form to the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure?
7. How long will it take for the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure to process a matching gift form and mail it back to the matching gift company?
8. How long will it take for the matching gift company to cut a check for the matching gift?
9. What will happen if a matching gift is not approved by a matching gift company?
10. Where should I mail the matching gift form?
11. Will a matching gift count toward the participant’s fundraising total?


1. What is a matching gift?

A matching gift is when a person makes a donation to a nonprofit organization and their employer donates an equal or greater amount to the same group. A matching gift is a great way for a donor to double their contribution to the breast cancer movement.


2. How do I know if a company will offer a matching gift for a donation?

The only way to know for sure is to ask the donor’s employer. The donor should check with the human resources department at their company. You can also check our list of potential matching gift companies here.


3. How does a donor apply for a matching gift?

The matching gift process is unique to each company and the donor must check with his/her company to learn about their process, but in general there are two ways that companies process matching gift requests - via paper matching gift forms or an online matching gift database. Visit the Matching Gifts Info page for a general outline of the matching gifts process.


4. What is the Matching Gift Checklist?



5. The matching gift company has a list of nonprofit organizations to choose from; which name should I pick?

It is very important to choose the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure in order for the participant to receive credit for a matching gift. Please do not choose Susan G. Komen for the Cure or any other charity as the designated organization.
The address listed on the company’s database for the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure should be:
8765 W. HIGGINS, SUITE 401, CHICAGO, IL 60631


6. Can a donor mail the matching gift form to the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure?

We recommend that the participant mails the matching gift form. This way, the participant will know exactly when it was mailed and can confirm that it was mailed to the correct address. If the matching gift company has an online matching gift process, the donor will be responsible for completing the matching gift process via the company’s database.


7. How long will it take for the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure to process a matching gift form and mail it back to the matching gift company?

30-60 days typically.


8. How long will it take for the matching gift company to cut a check for the matching gift?

If the matching gift company approves the matching gift, the company will send a check for the matching gift according to their company guidelines. Please contact the matching gift company directly to find out how often matching gift checks are cut and mailed, as it varies for each company.


9. What will happen if a matching gift is not approved by a matching gift company?

If a matching gift company does not approve a matching gift, the company will contact either the donor or the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure. If the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure is contacted, we will pass the information on to the participant.


10. Where should I mail the matching gift form?

Once the participant has made a copy of the matching gift form, it should be mailed along with the Matching Gift Checklist and the Komen Chicago Race for the Cure donation receipt to:
TBD


11. Will a matching gift count toward the participant’s fundraising total?

MISSING CONTENT.



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