FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Training for 43rd Bank of America Chicago Marathon Kicks Off Next Week
as Planning Continues for the Return of the Event this October
Event Organizers and the City of Chicago are Working Closely on Plans
to Welcome 35,000 Participants Back to the Streets of Chicago
on Sunday, October 10
CHICAGO - Thousands of runners will kick off their 18-week training journey
next week in preparation for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Race
officials are working closely with the City of Chicago, including the
Chicago Department of Public Health, to produce a safe and enjoyable
experience for event attendees and the Chicago community. The Chicago
Marathon is set to welcome 35,000 participants for the event's return on
Sunday, October 10, 2021.
"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has long been one of our city's most
exciting events for runners and onlookers alike—making last year's decision
to cancel it all the more difficult," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.
"Now, thanks to the progress we've made in our COVID-19 journey, we will be
able to bring back this Chicago staple and welcome thousands of marathoners
and fans back to our streets this fall."
"We're excited to kick off the launch of training with our participants
next week," said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon
executive race director. "Over the next 18 weeks our team will be hard at
work, much like our participants, preparing for the return of the event.
After a year without a major marathon, it feels great to know the start
line is once again in our sights."
Race officials working on this year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon are
developing multiple operational plans for this year's event. The team's
scenario planning addresses the rapidly changing public health environment
and takes into account the latest developments in data, science, and our
overall understanding of the pandemic. Event organizers will provide
registered participants with an update in August that outlines any
modifications to event operations, policies and/or guidelines.
"Scenario planning is a fundamental component of a successful health and
safety strategy for a major city marathon," said Dr. George Chiampas, Bank
of America Chicago Marathon medical director and Northwestern Medicine's
director of event and community preparedness. "This year presents a unique
situation, but we are fortunate to work side by side with leaders in the
public and private sectors who are committed to taking a measured approach
that is in line with the latest data and science."
While guidance continues to evolve, event officials have communicated that
registered participants should be prepared for adjustments to mitigate the
spread of the coronavirus. Potential measures range from wearing a mask
throughout race weekend, when not on the 26.2-mile course route, to being
asked for proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result and/or
a complete vaccination series prior to the event.
For the latest event updates, registered participants and community members
are encouraged to visit the Event FAQ which is available at
chicagomarathon.com.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon welcomes thousands of participants
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 participants. The race's iconic course takes
runners through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural
tour of Chicago. 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 and register for
news email alerts.
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