Press Release - Chicago Marathon - 3/3/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

         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. 

www.chicagomarathon.com
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