Runners Can Make an Impact at the 2016 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 a record-breaking $18.7 million through the 2015 Charity Program. The overall fundraising from the 2015 event surpassed the previous event record by $1 million. Since the charity program was officially established in 2002, more than 96,000 runners have raised more than $150 million for local, national and global causes.
"Our Charity Program highlights the power and spirit of the running community, and it?s an ultimate win-win for both charities and runners," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "We have seen charities increase their revenue and visibility, and we have welcomed new runners across our finish line who may not have run a marathon if it were not for their passion for a specific charity. We are proud of the legacy of our Charity Program, and the difference that it continues to make locally, nationally and globally."
The 2016 Charity Program for the Oct. 9 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is underway, with more than 170 charities participating. Runners who register to run with an official charity before the April 12 application deadline will be required to raise $1,000. After the deadline, the requirement increases to $1,500.
The impact of the funds raised by Chicago Marathon participants is felt both locally in the Chicago community and abroad. Fundraising $1,000 through the Charity Program can dramatically impact a charity and its mission. For example, a runner raising $1,000 for Team World Vision makes it possible for 20 children to receive clean drinking water for the rest of their lives; $1,000 allows the Greater Chicago Food Depository to provide meals for 3,000 men, women and children in the local Chicago community; and $1,000 provides 20 Chicago students innovative and engaging youth running programs through Chicago Run.
Runners interested in joining a charity team before the April 12 deadline can visit ChicagoMarathon.com.
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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