FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank of America Chicago Marathon Set for 31st Running on Sunday, Oct. 12
Title Sponsor Introduces New Theme and Improvements
to Usher Historic Event into New Era
CHICAGO (September 30, 2008) - In preparation of its 31st running, the Bank
of America Chicago Marathon has unveiled its plans for the 2008 race to be
held on Sunday, Oct. 12. With the arrival of new title sponsor Bank of
America and its long-term vision for the race, a new theme, several
improvements and new programs will be introduced to enhance the event
experience for runners, spectators and the greater Chicago community.
Since assuming the title sponsorship of the Chicago Marathon following its
completed acquisition of LaSalle Bank, Bank of America has set its focus on
continuing the race's steeped tradition, offering the very best running
experience to participants and giving back to the community that has
generously supported the race for three decades. This commitment is
reflected in the 2008 race theme, 29 Neighborhoods, 1 World Class Race,
which acknowledges the vibrancy of Chicago's rich neighborhoods and the
people who support every runner along his or her marathon journey.
"Our support in producing the Bank of America Chicago Marathon mirrors the
same principles that we apply to our daily business practices," said Bank
of America Illinois Market President David Rudis. "Participants of the
Marathon commit to months of preparation, so we show the same commitment to
them by working diligently with our city partners and all 29 neighborhoods
to produce a world-class race. It was with that end goal in mind that we
focused our efforts for the 2008 event."
Strengthening the Runner Experience
The 45,000 registered participants will benefit directly from the
operational improvements made to the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Race organizers have initiated a significant number of modifications
focused on increasing supplies and participant support and enhancing
advance and on-site communications to both runners and volunteers.
An increased number of 20 Aid Stations will dot the course spaced
approximately 1 to 2 miles apart, compared to 15 Aid Stations in 2007. Each
Aid Station will be equipped with licensed medical professionals and
equipment, hydration supplies including Hinckley Springs® water and
Gatorade®, and restroom facilities. An additional medical tent will be
located near the 26-mile mark while the main medical tent remains near the
finish line.
As a leader in the marathon industry and as part of the World Marathon
Majors Series, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is taking full
advantage of the opportunity to serve as an educational leader for runners.
Recognizing that approximately 40% of its running field consists of
first-time marathoners, the Chicago Marathon has increased its efforts not
only to help prepare them for a marathon distance, but for the Chicago race
specifically.
Through the registration process, electronic and print communications,
speaking engagements and its partnership with local broadcaster NBC5, the
Marathon has educated participants throughout the year on the vital
importance of complete training for an endurance race. A proper marathon
training regime includes everything from completing a physical and
obtaining the consent of a physician to committing to a proven marathon
training program to familiarizing oneself to the sport of road racing and
specifically the procedures and design of the Chicago Marathon.
Operationally, organizers of the race have made several enhancements and
additions to the way it will function on race day in order to provide the
maximum amount of support to runners. The most innovative and visual result
has been the introduction of a first-of-its-kind Event Alert System (EAS).
Designed to provide runners, spectators and volunteers with the most
up-to-date course conditions, the EAS indicates the anticipated course
conditions via a color reading during the week leading up to the race and
on race day.
Ranging from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme
(black), the EAS reading is communicated in advance of the race via Web
site, electronic communications and at the two-day Bank of America Health &
Fitness Expo where all participants must pick up race day essentials. On
race day, visual and audio communication channels will continue to depict
the current course conditions in Grant Park where the race's start and
finish are staged and at each of the 20 Aid Stations along the 26.2-mile
course.
In addition to the EAS color-coded reading, a series of preparation tips
from the race Medical Director will inform runners on how to prepare for
the conditions of the day whether they be warm, cold, moderate, wet or
windy.
"We learned a lot from the experience of the 2007 race," said Executive
Race Director Carey Pinkowski of Chicago Event Management, now in his 19th
year overseeing the event. "The improvements and additions for 2008 will
strengthen this race by providing a stronger runner support system and
offering insight to our road racing peers who can benefit from our
experience and the new practices that we are putting into place."
Once runners have met their finish line goals, Bank of America has
organized a celebration worthy of those accomplishments. Just beyond the
finish line in Butler Field (Jackson Blvd. and Columbus Dr.) the Bank of
America 27th Mile post-race party will welcome runners, their families and
friends for an afternoon of live music, food and beverages from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m.
Enhancing the Spectator Experience
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually draws approximately 1.5
million spectators to the course. New for spectators in 2008 are several
course locations that will provide support for cheering and viewing the
race, while also celebrating Chicago's rich ethnic heritage.
Title sponsor Bank of America will host four Cheer Zones for spectators on
the north, west and south sides of the course in Lakeview East, OldTown,
West Loop Gate and Chinatown. Each Cheer Zone will distribute
thunder sticks and rally cards to support cheering efforts while offering
music and restroom facilities to provide a comfortable and entertaining
atmosphere. Event sponsors Nike® and Energizer® will also organize festive
areas for spectators while 10 McDonald's restaurants will serve as Runner
Update Centers where fans can receive up-to-date information on their
favorite runners' locations via the electronic timing system.
Bank of America customers are entitled to VIP treatment in the way of
finish line seating and a premium seating area at the Bank of America 27th
Mile. By visiting the Bank of America Customer Appreciation Zone at the
Health & Fitness Expo (Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11), bank
customers will receive access to the finish line seating area, entry to the
27th Mile VIP area and an all-day CTA pass good for getting around the race
course to cheer on runners, including the Bank of America Cheer Zones and
finish line area.
For the spectators at home, the race will be broadcast live on NBC5 and
online at universalsports.com. For improved viewing of the championship
race, the elite athletes will start five minutes in advance of the mass
field for the first time in race history. Race day competition will begin
with the wheelchair and hand cycle divisions at 7:50 a.m. followed by the
elites at 7:55 a.m. and the open field at 8 a.m.
Impacting the Community Experience
Giving back to the community that graciously and enthusiastically embraces
the race each fall is a priority for organizers of the Bank of America
Chicago Marathon. Through their participation in the Marathon, more than
110 non-profit organizations are organizing teams with goals to eclipse $12
million in funds raised for a variety of community causes. With less than a
month until race day, participating charities have recruited more than
6,800 runners to fundraise on behalf of their causes with that number
expected to grow in the next few weeks.
As a special tribute to U.S. military veterans, the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon will host a small field of veterans wounded in the line of duty as
they compete in a first-ever hand cycle division. While the Chicago
Marathon has long featured a field of competitive push rim wheelchair
athletes, this is the first time it will introduce hand cycles as a special
service to the wounded men and women of the U.S. military.
By educating and encouraging health and fitness among Chicago's youth, the
race will continue its efforts with the Chicago Park District by sponsoring
the Cross Country CityWide Championships. Three regional competitions are
currently underway this month set to conclude with a championship
competition on Saturday, Oct. 11, one day before the Marathon, at Chicago's
BurnhamPark. Initial plans are also underway to develop an expanded youth
running program in 2009 with support from Bank of America.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in
Chicago's Grant Park beginning with the wheelchair race at 7:50 a.m. on
Sunday, Oct. 12. Registration opened to the public on Feb. 1 and closed in
record time on April 23 when the participant capacity of 45,000 was
reached. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be
held at McCormick Place on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11. In its
31st year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000
runners, 1.5 million spectators and 125,000 Expo visitors and generates
more than $10 million for affiliated charities. The Bank of America Chicago
Marathon is one of the five races that comprise the World Marathon Majors.
More information on the race and how to get involved is available at
chicagomarathon.com.
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