FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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.
www.chicagomarathon.com
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