FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience
Brings the Chicago Marathon to Runners and Communities Around the World
The Week-Long Celebration Kicks Off Today and Offers a Variety of Ways
for Everyone To Get Involved
CHICAGO - The 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience
kicks off today, bringing the spirit of the Chicago Marathon to runners
around the world. This free experience encourages everyone to get involved,
from running and sharing their story, to cheering on others and giving back
by volunteering in their local community or to donating to a cause. The
week-long celebration will culminate on Sunday, October 11, what would have
been the 43rd running of the iconic event.
"This week launches a new and unexpected chapter in the history of our
event," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Bank of
America Chicago Marathon. "The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual
Experience offers an opportunity for everyone to take part in the run, but
also give back and use our collective voice to cheer on others as they
cross their own finish lines. The commitment and enthusiasm we've seen from
the global running community is proof that the spirit of the event extends
far beyond the streets of Chicago."
Registered 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants have the
exclusive opportunity to run the marathon distance as a part of the Virtual
Experience. Shorter distances from the mile to the half marathon are also
available for free to everyone from novice runners to veteran marathoners.
Runners can download a personalized digital event bib number starting today
and will have access to a unique finisher certificate once they submit
their results. Registration for all distances is still open and will close
on Sunday, October 11.
In addition to the run, event organizers are offering everyone
opportunities to cheer on runners virtually, to support event charity
partners and to share stories that highlight the diverse individuals and
communities that have historically made the Chicago Marathon "the people's
race." More information on how to get involved is available at
chicagomarathon.com/virtual-experience.
"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience will showcase the
commitment and resiliency of our running community, from first-time runners
to elite athletes," said Paul Lambert, Chicago market president, Bank of
America. "Even though it looks a little different this year, the legacy of
running together, celebrating our vibrant city and supporting nonprofits
that work tirelessly to build up our communities lives on. We're extremely
proud of that."
Race week will include the digital launch of the Abbott Health & Fitness
Virtual Expo. This virtual marketplace will feature more than 25
exhibitors, offering the public an opportunity to explore the latest in
running footwear, apparel, nutrition and technology.
The Abbott Health & Fitness Virtual Expo will feature daily programming to
educate, inspire and motivate everyone taking part in the Bank of America
Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience. Programming will debut daily at 11
a.m. (Central Time), starting today, and include appearances from Chicago
Marathon champions, elite athletes and amateur runners. Visit
chicagomarathon.com/virtualexpo to view the complete program schedule and
explore the virtual expo.
"Marathon Sunday is embedded into the fabric of Chicago's sports culture
and landscape. For 42 years, runners have traveled through the city with a
story, and a commitment to the finish line," said Pinkowski. "For 30 years,
I have watched you cross the finish line. I am sad that we cannot be
together in person, but I am inspired by your determination to cross your
own finish line, and I am grateful that we can stay connected virtually."
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Virtual Experience, including the
Abbott Health & Fitness Virtual Expo, is open and available to the public
through Sunday, October 11.
The 2020 Virtual Experience launched shortly after event organizers and the
City of Chicago announced the cancellation of the 2020 Bank of America
Chicago Marathon in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
For additional information on the Virtual Experience, visit
chicagomarathon.com.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
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
more than 45,000 runners from the start line to the final stretch down
Columbus Drive. For more information about the event and how to get
involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other
important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to
register for news email alerts.
###
|
