diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 9b55c8f..2035158 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+**NOTE:** This challenge closes for submissions on Jan 31 23:59:59 UTC. No new pull requests for adding submissions will be accepted after that time.
+Any pending pull requests will be reviewed over the next few days, as described [here](https://github.com/gunnarmorling/1brc/discussions/687).
+The final leader board will be published by Feb 5.
+
 #### Check List:
 
 - [ ] You have run `./mvnw verify` and the project builds successfully