Marathon Sells Out in Six Days

Official Press Release

2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sells Out in Record Time
Registration Officially Closed Monday 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