byLarry Eder
photo by PhotoRun.net
New Records Set at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Registration Officially Closed Today, Shattering Previous Record by Nearly Three Weeks;
Record $12 Million Raised for Charity in 2010
CHICAGO – Registration
for the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon closed in record time
today as the maximum 45,000 participants signed up in 31 days for the 34th
annual event. With a 26.2-mile course that is world renowned for
its speed, the rate of registration was an “event record” for Chicago
and a fitting prelude to a race where thousands of participants will be
striving to achieve their own personal records. Today, the Bank of
America Chicago Marathon also announced that a record $12 million was
raised by runners during the 2010 event for local, national and global
charitable causes.
“We are no strangers to records
at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon where numerous world class
athletic performances were achieved over the years; but these two
records are truly meaningful as they speak to the enthusiasm from
runners around the world who want to be a part of our event and the
thousands who use the race to make a difference in their communities,”
said Bank of America Chicago and Illinois Market President Tim Maloney.
“It’s an honor to help enable opportunity for 45,000 runners to pursue
their goals at an event that has such a significant economic and
charitable impact on Chicago and beyond each year.”
Entry into the sold-out event can
still be obtained through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s
charity program, which has generated nearly $60 million since its
inception in 2002. More than 90 affiliated non-profits have available
entries for the 2011 race. Visit www.chicagomarathon.com
for charity program details and information on how to register by joining a charity team.
“The
record rate of registration is a tribute to the 34-year tradition of
our event, as well as to our partners in the community, the City of
Chicago and our sponsors who lend their support and resources in helping
us produce a wonderful experience for our participants year after
year,” said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. “We look forward to
welcoming the class of 2011 to Chicago on October 9.”
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 34th
year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of
America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 participants,
including a world-class elite runner and wheelchair field, and an
estimated 1.7 million spectators. As a result of its national and
international draw, each year, the iconic race assists in raising
millions for a variety of charitable causes while generating a $150
million economic impact to its host city according to a report by the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Regional Economics
Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.). The 2011 Bank of America Chicago
Marathon will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 7:30
a.m. on October 9. In
advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held
at McCormick Place Convention Center on October 7 and October 8.
