The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Team Nature fans cheer on runners at mile 8 of the 2011 ING NYC Marathon © TNC

The Nature Conservancy’s Team Nature is heading to the "Windy City" on October 7, 2012, for the Chicago Marathon. Join our team and be "blown away" by this marathon's fast, flat and beautiful course through one of the world's most magnificent cities. 

The 26.2-mile course offers a scenic tour of Chicago and its lively neighborhoods, as well as a convenient start and finish in beautiful Grant Park. Proudly referred to as Chicago's "front yard," Grant Park is a 319-acre public park located in Chicago’s central business district and is home to some of the city's most notable features--Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. 

Running in a city that bridges nature and people is something we can get behind---we hope you will too!  

How to Register
Space is limited, so Sign Up Here today. You will then receive a TNC fundraising form as well as a Chicago Marathon registration form. Both must be signed and returned by Friday, August 3rd to complete your registration.

Race day information including bib pick up information will be handled by the Chicago Marathon staff. You will also receive occasional tips for fundraising and greening your run from The Nature Conservancy.

Don’t want to run but want to support other Team Nature runners? Click "Support a Participant" here!

Here’s what your $400 donation to Team Nature could help accomplish:

• Restore freshwater reefs in the Great Lakes bays, providing spawning habitat for whitefish and lake trout
• Provide habitat for endangered grassland birds at Nachusa Grasslands 
• Further research at the Franklin Demonstration Farm on sustainable farming practices that help provide clean drinking water 

Team Nature Benefits and Green Tips

• Run in the great outdoors and get close to nature!
• Reduce your carbon footprint: Start your run from home or work vs. driving.
• Take public transportation or carpool to races.
• Avoid excess paper and plastic: Sign up for races online and look for virtual goodie bags.
• Use water belts or reusable water bottles.
• Buy powdered sports drinks and mix your own — avoid waste from single-use bottles and save money!
• Recycle your running shoes and gear.
• "Like" The Nature Conservancy in Illinois on Facebook and share your green tips today!