Hearts for RMHC - Chicago Marathon Charity Runners
One of the largest fundraisers for RMHC nationally is the Chicago Marathon Charity Runner program. In exchange for a chance to run the Chicago Marathon, charity runners pledge to raise a certain minimum amount of funds for their cause. Each charity has different teams and chapters within it that offer friendly competition, support, and more to create an exciting, successful fundraising program.
Hearts for RMHC organizes the Team RMHC chapter for Kansas City, holding multiple titles for top fundraising and top headcount in the U.S.
Training for and running a marathon is a big commitment, but Hearts for RMHC and Team Ronald McDonald are both committed to helping all team members — first-timers and experienced marathoners alike — have a positive, healthy, and impactful experience.
How Does the Ronald McDonald Charity Runner Program Work?
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A volunteer from our board acts as Team Captain for our Chicago Marathon Charity Runners. They’ll offer support and advice, share important information, send reminders about deadlines, and if needed help runners stay on track with training and fundraising.
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Runners have to register both for the race itself and the charity team. Team Ronald McDonald provides a fundraising website for participants to use for donations, tracking progress, sharing updates & more.
Chicago Marathon sets the fundraising minimums, usually announcing the amount in the spring. It can be intimidating for first-time runners to see the fundraising requirement, but don’t worry. You aren’t alone!
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Over the course of training (usually 18-20 weeks) runners will train for the marathon and raise funds toward their minimum. Runners who don’t meet their fundraising goals may not be allowed to run, but both Ronald McDonald House and Hearts for RMHC try aid runners in staying on-course — both in training and fundraising.
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For runners who have raised their required funds and completed training, the ultimate goal is finishing the Chicago Marathon.
There’s more to marathon weekend than just the race! Ronald McDonald House Charity Runners can enjoy sperks like special events and exclusive race day amenities.
The best perk of all? Doing good for your community while doing something truly impressive — training for and finishing a marathon.
Still not convinced?
We get it. It’s a big commitment. The good news is that Ronald McDonald House has oodles of information available about this. Their Ronald McDonald Chicago Marathon Charity Runner FAQ page has answers to many of the questions that potential runners might ask. You can learn more about Team Ronald McDonald and the Charity Runner team program on their website.
Learn About the Perks
If you’ve ever wanted to run a marathon, but are intimidated by the idea — running the Chicago Marathon with Team Ronald McDonald is a great entry. Many runners have experienced their first marathon through Team RMHC, in no small part because of the perks that come with being a Charity Runner.
The following comes straight from Team Ronald McDonald’s Charity Runner website:
If selected to run and as a bonus for committing to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House, all team members will receive:
Official Team Nike Legend shirt
Free Virtual 8-week Base Training Program and 18-week Marathon Training Program
Weekly training tips from USATF Certified Coach Brendan Cournane
Fundraising support including a personal fundraising page, social media infographics and more!
VIP Race Weekend Experience
Race Day Hospitality Includes:
Heated tent & private gear check
Hot breakfast pre-race
Stretch zone & private port-a-lets
Post-race red-carpet welcome
Champagne or chocolate milk toast
DJ + photographer for those finish-line smiles
Lunch, drinks & post-race massage