ENTRIES FOR EQUITY

In 2025, we launched a new program to help break down barriers by providing complimentary entries into the events that make up the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series (Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon). Entries for Equity was developed to increase representation in Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events to reflect the diverse backgrounds and identities of Chicago area residents and recognize groups who are creating a positive community impact.

The program is open to Chicago area community groups who are supporting the running and movement community and have values around diversity, equity and inclusion. Eligible groups will receive a select number of complimentary entries to the 2025 Chicago Distance Series events they wish to have their members participate in. Entries will be allocated based on the number of eligible applicants and will be distributed to the group leader who will then identify the community group members to take part in the event(s). They will be asked to prioritize entry distribution to individuals who represent diverse backgrounds and identities, who are first-time participants in Distance Series events, and who may not have the financial means to participate.

The application for the 2025 Entries for Equity program closed on November 6, 2024. Chicago area community groups who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to complete the form below. Information about the 2026 program will be available in the fall.

Read the FAQs below to learn more about the program.

FAQS

What is the goal of the program?
Entries for Equity was developed to increase representation in Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events to reflect the diverse backgrounds and identities of Chicago area residents and recognize groups who are creating a positive community impact.

What events are a part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series?
The Bank of America Chicago Distance Series is made up of Chicago’s premier racing portfolio: the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon. Chicago area community groups that apply for and are selected through the Entries for Equity application will be eligible to receive complimentary entries into each event.

What community groups are eligible for entries through the Entries for Equity program?
The Entries for Equity program is for community groups in Chicago and surrounding areas that:

• Are actively serving, supporting and giving back to communities in the Chicago area.
• Offer programming that involves sports, running, fitness, and/or health and wellness.
• Committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in their community.

How many Chicago area community groups will be selected to receive entries through the Entries for Equity program?
There are a limited number of entries available through the Entries for Equity program. Entries will be allocated based on the entries available and the number of eligible applicants.

How are the entries distributed through the Entries for Equity program?
Chicago area community groups that apply for and are selected through the Entries for Equity application will be eligible to receive complimentary entries into Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events. Entries will be provided to the group lead(s) who applied on behalf of their community group. The lead(s) will oversee the distribution amongst their community group members. They will be asked to prioritize entry distribution to individuals who represent diverse backgrounds and identities, who are first-time participants in Chicago Distance Series events, and who may not have the financial means to participate.

How long is the application open?
The application for the 2025 Entries for Equity program was open from Wednesday, October 15, 2024, through 5:00 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Is there an advantage to submitting an application earlier in the window?
All applications will be reviewed following the close of the application window on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Entries will be determined and allocated based on the number of eligible applicants. Submitting multiple applications does not increase your chances of receiving complimentary entries. All duplicate applications will be removed prior to the review process.

How many complimentary entries will my group receive if we are deemed eligible?
Entries will be allocated based on the number of eligible applicants.

Are there any additional or ancillary costs associated with the complimentary entries?
If a participant chooses to add any products to their registration (i.e. MarathonFoto photo package, iTAB, etc.) they will be responsible for covering the cost of those products. The entry and processing fees will be covered in the complimentary entry.

Can my community group use the community entries to fundraise?
No. Entries are for members of your community group and are not to be used for fundraising or revenue generating opportunities. The sale of entries is strictly prohibited and will make your community groups ineligible for future Entries for Equity program applications.

Are there deadlines to register for the events?
Yes. Individuals who receive the complimentary entries must complete their registration by the following dates:

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle: Friday, February 21, 2025
Bank of America Chicago 13.1: Friday, May 2, 2025
Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Friday, July 4, 2025 

The registration links will close at these dates and no exceptions to register afterwards will be made.

Do participants need to meet any requirements to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events? 

Participants must meet the age requirements and follow all rules associated with each event. Rules can be reviewed on the event websites:

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
Bank of America Chicago 13.1
Bank of America Chicago Marathon

If the person who originally receives the complimentary entry is no longer able to participate, can I give the entry to another member from my group?
No. Once an individual completes the registration process, that entry is assigned to them and cannot be transferred to another individual. Group leads are encouraged to identify individuals who are confident they will be able to participate in the event they are registering for. The sale, trade and/or transfer of Event entries/Event number bibs is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events.

Why is this only available to Chicago area community groups?
The goal of the Entries for Equity program is to increase representation in Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events to reflect the diverse backgrounds and identities of Chicago area residents. For this reason, we are focusing on Chicago area community groups.

My community group applied for but was not selected to receive entries through the program. Will my group have a better chance of receiving entries in the future?
Community group applicants will be reviewed each year and organizations will be selected to receive entries based on the criteria of the Entries for Equity program.