Limited Entries Still Available Through Official Charity Teams
CHICAGO - Runners who entered the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon non-guaranteed entry drawing will be notified today of their selection status. This year's field will be comprised of runners who received an entry through the drawing as well as participants who qualified for one of five guaranteed entry opportunities. The world-class event will take place on Sunday, October 9.
"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon attracts runners from around the world to Chicago, and we're proud to welcome everyone to our hometown to experience this first-class race," said Paul Lambert, Bank of America Chicago president. "Chicago is extremely vibrant with excitement during race week. We're honored to host this annual event, which has a positive economic impact to the city and charitable causes, and to ensure that everyone touched by the marathon has a great experience."
Runners who received an entry through the drawing will join those who guaranteed their entry into the race during the five-week application window. Guaranteed entries included Chicago Marathon legacy finishers, time qualifiers, international tour groups, charity runners and those who deferred their 2015 entries.
"Today, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon journey begins for thousands of runners," said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive race director. "Since 1977, more than 700,000 people have traveled to Chicago to conquer 26.2 miles. We are proud to welcome the next class of runners with today's selection."
Runners who did not receive an entry through the drawing can still sign up through a limited number of charity entries available through the marathon's official Charity Program. Since 2002, the Charity Program has generated more than $150 million for local, national, and global causes. More than 70 nonprofit organizations have entries currently available for the 2016 race. Runners who register to run with an official charity at this time will be required to raise a minimum of $1,500.
In 2015, Bank of America Chicago Marathon runners raised a record breaking $18.7 million dollars. The impact of these funds greatly impacts communities on a local and global scale. For example, a runner raising $1,500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities makes it possible for a family of a sick child to stay near where their loved one is being treated for 18 nights; $1,500 allows Bright Pink to educate 330 women about the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer; and $1,500 provides 30 buses used to take Special Olympics athletes to and from competitions.
Go to ChicagoMarathon.com for a list of official charities and for information on how to register by joining a charity team.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 39th year, 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. In 2015, an estimated 1.7 million spectators lined the streets cheering on a record 40,659 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 $254 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2016 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 9. In advance of the race, a two-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to ChicagoMarathon.com.
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