FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Non-Guaranteed Drawing
Applicants Receive Notification Today
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/charity 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.
Visit the Bank of America newsroom for more Bank of America news,
and click here to register for news email alerts.
chicagomarathon.com
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