FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank of America Chicago Marathon Announces New Name, New Logo
and Opening of 2008 Registration
CHICAGO, IL (January 31, 2008) In its first official move as steward of
the 30-year-old Chicago Marathon, Bank of America today announced the
legendary race will have a new name and fresh look for 2008. The now-titled
Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12
with registration for the first 45,000 runners opening at midnight (CST) on
Friday, February 1.
With a focus on the future under a new name and in recognition of a legacy
spanning three decades, the updated race logo incorporates images of the
past and present. The redesigned mark maintains the recognizable male and
female runner graphic that has depicted the race for more than 10 years
while incorporating the red, white and blue flagscape that has made Bank of
America one of the most recognizable brands in the United States.
"It is our privilege and honor to continue the grand tradition of this
iconic race and maintain the tenets that have established it as one of the
five most prestigious marathons in the world," said Bank of America
Illinois President David Rudis. "We also plan to strengthen and grow the
race by developing additional community and philanthropic programs and
welcoming new sponsors. Today is the first day of what we believe will be
an exciting new era for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon."
When registration opens to the public this Friday, it will officially
launch a nine-month countdown to the race that annually registers 45,000
runners, attracts 1.5 million spectators and generates an estimated $140
million economic impact on the city of Chicago. As the running field
annually represents all 50 states and more than 120 countries with 7,000
international runners, race weekend is recognized as one of the city's most
valuable tourism vehicles.
In recent years, the Marathon has also become one of the largest single-day
fundraisers in the city. In 2007, the race's charity program generated more
than $10.5 million for 85 participating organizations and more than $38.5
million has been raised since its formal inception in 2002. Bank of
America's 2008 plans include the continuation of the program and the
development of additional charitable efforts in conjunction with the bank's
established corporate philanthropic outreach that has pledged $1.5 billion
nationally over 10 years. In 2007 alone, the bank contributed $200 million
to hundreds of communities across the nation, including $30 million in
Illinois, the majority of which benefited Chicago-based organizations and
programs.
Bank of America's stewardship of the Marathon is a result of its
acquisition of LaSalle Bank last fall. In so doing, Bank of America has
added the Chicago Marathon to an impressive global sponsorship family that
includes partnerships with the largest sports organizations in the world,
including Major League Baseball, NASCAR, National Football League, the
PGA TOUR and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.
"Bank of America has displayed an overwhelming enthusiasm for the Marathon
since day one and the exciting developments we are working on for 2008 will
be a great service to our runners," said Executive Race Director Carey
Pinkowski of Chicago Events Management, now in his 19th year overseeing the
event. "The runners who choose to compete in our race and commit to the
months of preparation are always our top priority and I am proud that
providing the best possible experience for them will continue to be our
number one goal."
The 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in
Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 12.
Registration will open to the public on Friday, February 1 and close when
the participant capacity of 45,000 is reached. In advance of the race, a
two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday,
October 10 and Saturday, October 11. More information on the race,
registration and how to get involved is available at
www.chicagomarathon.com.
###
|
