FAQs

Registration Questions

What are the 2012 deadlines?

Please visit the Timeline page for details on deadlines.

One of the most important deadlines: Friday, September 14 - Pre-Registration closes!

How much does registration cost?

Pre-Registration Fees – through 9/14/2012:
$30 Walker – online registration
$35 Walker – offline registration
$40 5K or 10K Runner – online registration
$45 5K or 10K Runner – offline registration

Note: An additional $5 charge will be added for those who choose to have their participant packet mailed prior to the race.

Race Day Registration Fee – 9/30/2012:
$50 Walkers, 5K and 10K Runners

Is there a fundraising minimum to participate?

AIDS Run & Walk Chicago does not require walkers or runners to raise a minimum amount of money. However, we strongly encourage everyone to set a fundraising goal and strive to achieve it. Participants who do fundraise are eligible for several great Incentive Prizes!

I am a returning participant and cannot remember my login information from last year. What should I do?

Obtain your username and password here.

I registered to the wrong team. Can I change that?

To change the team you are registered to, please email runwalk@aidschicago.org. So that we may resolve the issue as efficiently as possible, please include the following information: your first and last name, your birthday, the team you would like to join.

If I paid the mailing fee with my registration, when will I receive my packet in the mail? What if I don’t receive it?

Racer packets will be mailed August 30 & 31. Please allow 10-15 business days for delivery via USPS. If you have not received your packet by Race Day, please visit the Registration Tent on Sunday, September 30 at Soldier Field. Please bring your photo ID and registration confirmation receipt. We will get you all set to race!

What race did I sign up for?

If you are unsure of which race you've signed up for, please email runwalk@aidschicago.org. Include your first and last name and birthday in your email.

I’d like to change some of the information on my registration. What should I do?

No problem! To edit your profile, please email runwalk@aidschicago.org. So that we may help you as efficiently as possible, please include the following information in your email: your first and last name, your birthday and the changes you wish to make. This can be anything from T-shirt size to email address to the race for which you’re signed up.

Donation/Fundraising Questions

To whom may check donations be made out?

Checks & money orders can be made out to: AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Where should I mail check donations?

Please mail donations to:  AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
c/o AIDS Foundation of Chicago
200 West Jackson Blvd, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60606

I made a donation online but it is not showing up on the participant’s fundraising page. Am I missing a step?

Please allow 1-3 business days for online donations to appear on the website. Processing time may take up to 5 business days during September & October.

I made a donation offline, but it is not showing up on the participant’s fundraising page. Am I missing a step?

Please allow 5-7 business days for offline donations to appear on the website. Processing time may take up to 10 business days during September & October.

Please also note: Any multiples of cash donations (paper money) less than $100 submitted collectively will be noted on the participant’s fundraising page as one total cash sum. No coins accepted.

I think there are donations missing from my online fundraising page. What should I do?

If you believe that there is an error on your fundraising page, please email runwalk@aidschicago.org. So that we may resolve the issue as efficiently as possible, please include the following information in your email: your first and last name, your team name (if applicable), the first and last name of the donor, the amount of the donation, the method of payment of the donation, last four digits of the credit card (if applicable), and date the donation was made.

What is a Matching Gift Program?

Matching Gift programs are established by many companies with the intention of supporting nonprofit organizations. These companies agree to match the donations made by their employees. More information about your company in particular can be obtained from your human resources representative – please feel free to initiate these conversations.

Are there other ways to support the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago?

Thank you for your interest! We appreciate your support – there are many opportunities for further involvement including corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations and volunteering.

Race Day Questions

Will there be a safe area where I can keep my personal belongings during the race?

The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will host a complimentary Gear Check throughout the morning of the race. A map of the Festival Area for Sunday, September 30 is coming soon.

How long is the race course?

The walker and 5K runner course are both 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The 10K runner course is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Where will the race course lead participants? 

The course will weave up and down the southern shore line of Chicago near Soldier Field. An exact course map is coming soon.

Where should I meet my team?

Please coordinate team meeting areas with your Team Captain. Teams who fill out the Team Supplies Form by the September 7 deadline will have designated areas. Come September, we will have a Festival Area map available online for further coordination.

How do I get to Soldier Field?

The Race Day Information page will be updated with directions and transportation suggestions as the event draws near.

Can I run/walk with my dog?

Dog owners are welcome to bring your furry friends; however, please note that dogs will not be allowed inside of Soldier Field. The race course will finish just outside of the stadium; then, racers will be invited to walk through the mezzanine level of Soldier Field to view AIDS Memorial Quilt panels. Those with dogs will be asked to walk outside on the west side of the stadium, back to the festival area.

Other

I know people who would like to participate but cannot afford the registration fee. What can you do for my group?

The best way for your group to get involved on Race Day will be volunteering. We have a variety of opportunities where your group can work together, be it in the festival area or along the course. When financial resources are limited, this is a great way to support the success of the event.

I registered for the race but due to scheduling conflicts will no longer be able to attend. Can I still receive my T-shirt?

We’re sorry you can’t make it! We’d be happy to send your T-shirt – please just email runwalk@aidschicago.org. So that we may help you as efficiently as possible, please include the following information in your email: your first and last name, your birthday and the address to which you’d like your package sent. (Please note, we do not offer refunds for registration fees.)

Be sure to check out the event photos on flickr!

My company is interested in forming a team. Is there anyone from AIDS Run & Walk Chicago who can come to my office to encourage employees to sign up?

We’d be happy to come visit your office to tell your employees all about AIDS Run & Walk Chicago! Please email Jessica at jsyburg@aidschicago.org to indicate your interest and learn more.

I used to have the option to sign up as a CommunityDirect team. Why can’t I find that option this year?

In order to see continued growth of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, we’ve made many changes to the fundraising model for 2012, which includes the CommunityDirect program. For the new CommunityDirect overview and guidelines, please visit the Team Information page.