ENTRIES FOR EQUITY

Please note, the application for the 2026 Entries for Equity program closed at 5:00 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Monday, November 3, 2025. Chicago area community groups who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to complete the form below. Information about the 2027 program will be available in the fall.

In 2025, we launched a pilot program called Entries for Equity to create a more inclusive, representative and equitable start line at the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events (Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon). By partnering with Chicago area based community groups, we aim to lower barriers to participation, celebrate organizations creating positive community impact and align with groups advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. We will continue the pilot program in 2026 as an opportunity to learn and refine.

How the program works

Community groups will be invited to complete an Entries for Equity application. Eligible groups will receive a select number of complimentary entries to the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events.

A community group is:

• Based in the Chicago area and is actively serving, supporting and giving back to their community.
• Offer programming that supports running, movement, fitness and healthy lifestyles.
• Committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in their community.

Entries will be allocated based on the number of applicants, allotment of entries available and alignment with the community group’s goals. Entries will be distributed to the community group leader who will then identify the community group members to take part in the event(s).

After completing and submitting an application, our team will allocate entries to the 2026 events (Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon).

Community group expectations include:

• Distribute entries equitably: prioritize first-time participants in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events, participants who represent diverse backgrounds and identities and individuals with financial barriers.
• Share participant stories: provide quotes, photos or testimonials to help demonstrate program impact.
• Share feedback and recommendations: participate in a mid-year check-in and post-event evaluation.
• Promote a culture of belonging: align with values of inclusivity, accessibility and community connection.

Entries for Equity FAQs

What are the goals 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 supports running, movement, fitness, and healthy lifestyles.
• 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?
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 leader who applied on behalf of their community group. The leader 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 2026 Entries for Equity program is open from Monday, October 20, 2025, through 5:00 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Monday, November 3, 2025. We anticipate groups will be notified of their status in the program by early December.

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 Monday, November 3, 2025. 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, January 30, 2026
Bank of America Chicago 13.1: Friday, February 27, 2026
Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Friday, June 12, 2026

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 rules
Bank of America Chicago 13.1 rules
Bank of America Chicago Marathon rules

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 goals for the Entries for Equity program are directly connected to the local Chicagoland community. These goals include increasing 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. For these reasons, 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.

If you have additional questions regarding the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series Entries for Equity program, please contact communityrelations@cemevent.com.