Join Team Nature Museum

Founded in 1857, the Nature Museum welcomes thousands of Chicago residents and visitors to its Lincoln Park location every month. In addition, the Nature Museum is proud to be an educational partner to hundreds of Chicago Public Schools, with an emphasis on teachers and students located in the South and West neighborhoods. Through our Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) initiative, we train sustainability leaders in all 50 wards of Chicago. Our vital conservation work with threatened and endangered species takes place throughout the Chicagoland region as well.

Are you interested in running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October of 2026? Now is your chance to train and run for an amazing cause. As an official team member, you’ll commit to raising $2,600 for Team Nature Museum. In exchange, you’ll receive the following benefits:

• Guaranteed entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
• Complimentary one-year Nature Museum Family level membership for you or a friend (membership may not be applied to a higher-level membership)
• A technical training shirt for reaching your fundraising goal
• Customizable Haku fundraising page to solicit and manage donations

To be considered for  the Nature Museum Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Team, please complete the following steps:

Step 1: Download and fill out the waiver and email it to Sara Persky at spersky@naturemuseum.org. In that email, please let us know why you'd be proud to support the Nature Museum as a member of Team Nature Museum. Please note, there are limited spaces available, so it is advised to apply as soon as possible.  Application period closes December 15, 2025, or until all slots are filled.

Step 2: If you are accepted and there is a slot available, you will receive information on how to register for the marathon. You must complete all steps to be officially on the team. Participants must cover the initial registration fee.

Step 3: If you are accepted, you will receive information on how to create a fundraising webpage. Please note, 50% of fundraising goal due is April 9, 2026, and 100% of fundraising goal is due August 14, 2026.

DOWNLOAD WAIVER

• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Sunday, October 11, 2026
• Applications must be received by 10am on December 15, 2025, in order to be considered for one of Nature Museum's guaranteed entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
• Applicants make a commitment to fundraise a minimum $2,600
• Application period closes December 15, 2025, or until all slots are filled
• 50% of fundraising goal due April 9, 2026
• 100% of fundraising goal due August 14, 2026