TEAM PAWS FAQS
Q) What is the Fundraising minimum commitment?
A) Self-Secured Standard Registration (for any race) $650 | Guaranteed Charity Entry into the
Bank of America Chicago Marathon (before the lottery period closes) $1,250 | Post-Lottery
Guaranteed Charity Entry into the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (after the lottery winners
are drawn) $1,500 | Post-sellout charity entry for the Lifetime Tri = $1,000 | Post sellout charity
entry for the TCS New York City Marathon = $3,000
Q) Why is a fundraising minimum required?
A) PAWS Chicago does not receive any government funding and not only budgets, but relies on
TEAM PAWS members’ fundraising commitment to fund the life-saving rescue of nearly 45% of
the homeless pets PAWS Chicago rescues from the city pound each year. When an individual's
fundraising commitment is not met, it directly affects our ability to save and care animal’s lives
that were sponsored during individual registration for the team.
Q) I joined TEAM PAWS. Am I automatically registered for my race?
A) If you selected the "Self-Secured Standard Registration" type, you are responsible for
registering yourself into a race unless otherwise stated or notified. If you registered for TEAM
PAWS requesting a post-sellout or guaranteed entry into the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon or TCS New York City Marathon, then TEAM PAWS will provide you with the steps
necessary to enter into the sold-out race via email. The fundraising amounts for these sold-out
races have higher, required and enforced fundraising commitments than the 'Self-Secured
Standard Registration.' The registration fee paid to TEAM PAWS for the 'Guaranteed Charity
Entries" includes your registration fee into the sold-out race and TEAM PAWS membership.
Q) Is training automatically included when I join TEAM PAWS?
A) TEAM PAWS is introducing their own training program in conjunction with New Balance
Chicago in Lincoln Park. We also partner with Chicago Area Runner Association, Chicago
Endurance Sports to provide optional discounted charity rates for training. Chicago Athletic
Clubs provides free Tri Club
Q) Can I run for TEAM PAWS for multiple races?
A) Absolutely! We encourage you to race in as many events for TEAM PAWS as you like! You are
only required to fundraise for the amount coinciding with your registration type.
Q) When is the fundraising minimum deadline?
A) The deadline to meet your fundraising minimum is one week before race day (on Sunday) for
all events regardless of injury or unforeseen circumstances. See the fundraising tab for details
Q) What is a bib pull?
A) Post-sell out entries who have not met their fundraising commitment by three weeks prior to
the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will have their bib pulled from the race's standard
packet pickup. In order to receive your bib and participate in the race, you must fulfill your
fundraising commitment before or at the expo with the TEAM PAWS staff. This process is a step
to ensure that all team members honor their commitment to PAWS Chicago and are still able to
participate in the race.
Q) If I get injured during training or can no longer participate in my event or fundraise for
another reason am I still required to fundraise to the minimum?
A) Regardless of unforeseen circumstances such as injuries, personal challenges or other
unexpected life changes, we expect each team member to honor their commitment to PAWS
Chicago and to fundraise to their fundraising minimum. PAWS Chicago's ability to save lives is
directly affected by a member's ability to fulfill their fundraising commitment. For this reason we
do not offer a cancellation policy or membership deferment.
Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.