FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Runners Raised
an Event Record $22.7 Million in 2018
Runners Can Still Make an Impact at the 2019 Bank of America
Chicago Marathon by Joining a Charity Team
CHICAGO - The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced that more
than 11,000 runners raised an event record $22.7 million through the 2018
Chicago Marathon Charity Program. Since the program was officially
established in 2002, more than 128,000 runners have raised over $207
million for local, national and global causes.
"It's been amazing to see the growth of our Charity Program over the last
17 years," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "What started as
a small idea with 1,600 runners in 2002 has become a pillar of the event.
Last year's record fundraising efforts add to the great legacy of the
program, and the impact will continue to grow as we welcome another class
of charity runners in 2019."
The Charity Program for the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is
underway with 170 charities participating. More than 12,000 runners are
expected to raise funds related to 14 different social issues, including
education, youth development, health care, and social services. In a sport
that focuses on individual accomplishments, the Charity Program gives
runners the opportunity to join a team and make their run more meaningful
by running on behalf of a cause.
"One of the key reasons for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon's
world-class status is the power and spirit of the dedicated running
community and their commitment to making their marathon experience more
meaningful by running for the benefit of a charity," said Paul Lambert,
Chicago market president, Bank of America. "We're honored to advance the
race's positive community and economic impact to the city and to a variety
of charitable causes."
Runners interested in joining a charity team in 2019 can visit
chicagomarathon.com/charityprogram.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 42nd year on Sunday, October 13, 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 40,000 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 $338 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The
2019 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 13. In advance of the race, a two-day Abbott Health &
Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday,
October 11, and Saturday, October 12. 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
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