FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Runners Raised $16.9 Million
Runners Can Make an Impact at the 2017 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
by Joining a Charity Team
CHICAGO – The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced that more
than 10,000 runners raised $16.9 million through the 2016 Charity Program.
Since the charity program was officially established in 2002, more than
106,000 runners have raised over $167 million for local, national and
global causes.
"Our Charity Program speaks to the power and spirit of the running
community, and one of the greatest legacies of the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon is the significant impact the Charity Program has had on local,
national and global causes," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director.
"Since 2002, charities have increased their revenue and visibility, and we
have welcomed new runners across our finish line. We are proud that one of
the premier hallmarks on race day is seeing thousands of charity runners
striding together on the streets of Chicago to make a difference in the
world."
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon and the 15th anniversary of the official Charity Program. The 2017
Charity Program is underway with more than 170 charities participating.
Runners who register to run with an official charity will be required to
raise a minimum of $1,500.
Chicago Marathon participants who run and fundraise on behalf of a charity
can dramatically impact an organization and its mission, both locally in
the Chicago community and abroad. For example, a runner raising $1,500 has
the potential to make the following impacts: 30 children supported by Team
World Vision will receive clean drinking water for the rest of their lives;
the Greater Chicago Food Depository can provide meals for 4,500 men, women
and children in the local Chicago community; and Chicago Run will assist 30
Chicago students with innovative and engaging youth running programs.
Runners interested in joining a charity team can visit
chicagomarathon.com/charityprogram.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 40th 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. 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 $277 million in
annual economic impact to its host city. The 2017 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 8. In
advance of the race, a two-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at
McCormick Place Convention Center on Friday, October 6, and Saturday,
October 7. 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.
chicagomarathon.com
###
|
