Below you will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions regarding registration, packet pick up, race day, course, and volunteering.
Registration Questions
Why should I run the Hot Tamale 5K?
If you love a good fiesta and a run on the beautiful Chicago lakefront- this is the race for you! Most importantly, all of the race proceeds will go to help people in Central America living on less than $1 a day.
Where do I register?
What time does the race start?
5K: 9 AM
*Start times are subject to change
How much does the race cost?
$35.00: Until March 15
$40.00: March 16 – July 3
$45.00: July 4 – July 17
$60.00: Packet Pickup and Day-Of Registration
Are there child’s rates?
No.
Are there any age restrictions?
No. Any age can run/walk the race.
Do I have to register my child who is in a stroller or just wants to run/walk with me?
Strollers are allowed, and you only need to register your child if they want to be timed and get all the gear.
I can’t make the race. Can I get a refund or transfer my bib number to a friend?
Since we manage many upfront costs, we have a strict and uniform policy of no refunds or exchanges, no person-to-person transfers, and no deferrals to a future year. We do understand that plans change, injuries happen, and various situations arise, but we feel it is most fair to apply a uniform policy to all, instead of a subjective line of who should receive a refund and who shouldn’t. All purchases and sales are 100% final, no exceptions. Refunds will not be issued based on weather conditions. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Packet Pick Up Questions
When and where is packet pick up?
Pre-race Packet Pick Up:
Pre-race packet pick up will be available at the following location:
Park Community Church (River North)
1001 N Crosby St., Chicago, IL 60610
Friday, July 17, 2020
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Race Day Packet Pick Up:
Race day packet pick up will be available at Montrose Harbor (under white tents) Saturday, July 18, 2020, from 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM.
Race day packet pick up will close at exactly 8:50 AM, so come early and be prepared for lines!
Can I pick up my friend’s packet or have my friend pick up my packet?
Yes. You can pick up a friend’s packet during packet pick up and vice versa, a friend can pick up your packet. You can either bring an email confirmation ticket or know the correct spelling of your friend’s last names.
Is packet pick up available on race day? What are the other packet pick up options?
Race day packet pick up will be available at Montrose Harbor (under white tents) Saturday, July 18, 2020, from 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM.
Race day packet pick up will close at exactly 8:50 AM, so come early and be prepared for lines!
Pre-race Packet Pick Up:
Pre-race packet pick up will be available at the following location:
Park Community Church (River North)
1001 N Crosby St., Chicago, IL 60610
Friday, July 17, 2020
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
I have a large group. Can you put my group’s packets together in advance?
Yes! This makes packet pick up go much smoother for everyone. If you have a group of 15 or more please contact us at [email protected] with your list of names, and we’ll put your group’s packets together for one person to easily pick them up.
Race Day Questions
What time should I arrive for the race?
Please arrive early and allow plenty of time to park. Same day packet pick up begins at 7:30 AM and closes promptly at 8:50 AM.
What if the weather is bad?
The event will take place rain or shine. However, if the weather is threatening (lightning, storms, etc.), please check for email and/or Facebook announcements with further information.
Do you have any information on parking?
We strongly encourage carpooling and getting to the start line early, as there may be traffic. Allow sufficient time for traffic congestion.
What are the post-race awards, age groups, and when will the awards be presented?
AGE GROUP & OVERALL AWARDS:
The top three male & female finishers in each age group will receive a customized Hot Tamale medal. The top three overall male and female finishers will receive a personalized award. Age groups are as follows: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.
AWARDS CEREMONY:
Awards will be presented on-site at the Awards Ceremony!
5k Awards Ceremony: 10:00 AM
Will gear check be available to participants?
Gear Check will be available for all race participants starting at 7:30 AM.
Before the race starts, you can leave a bag with your personal items at our Gear Check tent. Please make sure to use the provided tear off on your race bib and zip tie it to your bag. Our volunteers will need this so they can quickly and easily help you claim your bag after the race is over.
Any gear not picked up by 11:00 AM on race day will be transported to our main office in Palatine, IL. Items not claimed within 30 days will be donated to a local charity.
*Hot Tamale is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.
Where should I wear my timing chip?
We will be using the bib tag system. Your timing strip is on the back of your bib. Please wear your bib on your front chest with nothing covering it. The bib must be on the outside of all clothing, jackets, etc. to receive an accurate time.
Does the Hot Tamale benefit any charity?
All race proceeds will go to help hard-working families in Central America that are living on less than $1 a day. We partner together with ENLACE, a 501(c)3 charity that works in Central America to help families thrive.
We link and engage local community-based organizations, such as:
- Churches
- Schools
- Mayors offices
- Community health clinics
- Businesses
We support grassroots, community-specific, poverty alleviation initiatives like:
- Microloans and business coaching to small-scale entrepreneurs
- Clean water systems
- School infrastructure
- Homes for homeless families
- And much more
When will the race results be posted and where can I find them?
Results will be posted on-site as soon as possible following the event, and official results will be posted on the event info page under Results within 24 hours following the race.
Can I sponsor the race?
For more information about sponsorship opportunities please contact our Sponsorship Director, Mark Haugen.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (847) 767-5267
Course Questions
Where are the start and finish lines located?
Please visit the event info page and click on Course to view the start and finish line locations.
Is this a USATF certified course?
Yes
What is the course like? Is it hilly or flat? On trails or roads?
The entire course is along the trails within Lincoln Park in Montrose Harbor.
Are headphones allowed on the course?
Yes. You may use headphones during the run. Just please be aware of your surroundings and the others around you racing.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes. Strollers are allowed. However, we ask that anyone using a stroller please start behind all runners.
Is walking allowed?
Yes. Walking is allowed. However, we ask that anyone planning to walk the race, please start behind all runners. Typically, around 1/3 of the participants are solely walkers.
Are dogs allowed?
Although we love your fur babies, dogs (or any other type of animal) are not allowed on the course. However, they can help cheer you on from the sidelines!
How is the starting corral set-up?
There will be signs at the start line that indicate various mile paces. Please line up accordingly to your pace – minute per mile. Please be in your corral at least 15 minutes before your race begins.
Where are the aid/water stations located?
Please visit the event info page and click on Course to view the aid/water station locations.
Volunteer Questions
What are the different opportunities for volunteering?
Please visit the get involved page for a full list of volunteer descriptions. We will need volunteers on race day at Montrose Harbor from 6:00 am to 11:00 am.
What do I get for volunteering?
Every volunteer will receive a Hot Tamale T-shirt, Food/Drink, and our continual gratitude!
Can you sign off on my volunteer hours?
Yes. Anyone who needs us to sign off on hours or write volunteer letters we are more than happy to help.
Where do you typically need the most volunteers?
If you have even just an hour of time to donate for packet pick up, that is where we tend to be short on volunteers. Please contact [email protected] to sign up!
If I volunteer at the race can I get a free entry?
Unfortunately, no. We appreciate your support, however, we do not allow volunteers to run the race for free.