by Larry Eder
Liliya Shobukhova, three-time Bank of America Chicago champion, photo by PhotoRun.net
The strength of running continues to grow, and Bank of America’s Chicago Marathon are another case in point in its growth. The marathon field for 2012 is now closed and filled up after only six days! Here is the release we received today!
2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Sells Out in Record Time
Registration Officially Closed Today in a Record Six Days; Limited
Number of Entries Still Available through the Charity Program
CHICAGO
– Registration for the 2012 Bank of
America Chicago Marathon closed in record time today as the maximum 45,000
participants signed up in six days for the 35th anniversary event. Demand
to run the iconic race has increased significantly in recent years, closing 25
days faster than the previous record established last year. A decade ago, the
2003 event closed in 35 weeks.
“Enthusiasm
to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is at an all-time high with record breaking
interest, and we plan to match that level of enthusiasm by providing
participants with a first-class race experience at the 35th
anniversary event,” said Bank of America Chicago and Illinois Market President
Tim Maloney. “Bank of America is proud to create opportunity for 45,000 passionate
runners to achieve their goals on race day and to deliver a world class event
that has a profound economic and charitable impact on the Chicago community and
beyond each year.”
Entry
into the sold-out event can still be obtained through the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon Charity Program, which has generated more than $70 million for local,
national and global causes since its inception in 2002. More than 90 affiliated
nonprofits have available entries for the 2012 race. Visit www.chicagomarathon.com for charity program details and information on how to
register by joining a charity team.
“What a
way to begin the 35th anniversary Bank of America Chicago Marathon
with our field filling up in record time. It is truly a testament to the
first-class experience we provide to each and every runner on the streets of
Chicago,” said Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey
Pinkowski. “This marks the start of an exciting journey for the participants,
as well as for our partners in the community, the City of Chicago, our sponsors
and our volunteers. Staging the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a team
effort, and we’re excited to work together to put on a stellar event on October
7 for everyone involved.”
About
the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 35th 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 of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating $170
million in 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 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and
finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 7. In
advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at
McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6.
