Well, the Chicago Marathon picked its 2018 field on December 12. The notes on who made it go out immediately. Note on the press release that there will still be some charity opportunities to run.
Galen Rupp, Chicago 2017, photo by David Wearn
Today’s Non-Guaranteed Entry Drawing
Limited Entries Still Available Through Official Charity Teams
CHICAGO – Runners who entered the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon non-guaranteed entry drawing will be notified of their selection status today. A record 44,341 individuals crossed the finish line in 2017, and a similar size field is expected to run through Chicago’s 29 neighborhoods on October 7, 2018. Demand for entry into the Chicago Marathon remains high.
Runners who did not receive an entry through the drawing can still sign up through a limited number of charity entries available through the marathon’s official Charity Program. Since 2002, the Charity Program has generated more than $167 million for local, national and global causes. Runners who register to run with an official charity at this time will be required to raise a minimum of $1,500. Go to chicagomarathon.com/charity for a list of official charities and information on how to register by joining a charity team.
“Today, we join our runners in beginning their race day journey, and I look forward to celebrating their hard work and training in a few months,” said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive race director. “The increased interest seen during the application window demonstrates the enduring popularity of our iconic event. We recently celebrated our 40th anniversary and we look forward to beginning the next 40 years of success.”
Runners who received an entry through the drawing will join those who guaranteed their entry into the race during the five-week application window. Guaranteed entries include Chicago Marathon and Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle legacy finishers, time qualifiers, international tour group participants, charity runners and those who cancelled their 2017 entries.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 41st year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomes thousands of runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class elite field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity runners. The race’s iconic course takes runners through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, an estimated 1.7 million spectators line the streets cheering on thousands of runners from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race’s national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating $282 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 7. In advance of the race, a two-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.
