2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon registration closes as race reaches 45,000 participant capacity

CHICAGO, IL (April 23, 2009) � Open registration for the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon officially closed today as 45,000 participants have signed on to complete the 26.2-mile race, marking the event's established capacity. A limited number of entries remain available through affiliated charities and tour groups.

�"It is great to see the continued commitment from runners across the globe who registered for this race more than six months in advance," said Bank of America Illinois Market President Tim Maloney. �"We're pleased to match their enthusiasm with our continued commitment to host the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in world-class fashion."

More than 70 of the race's affiliated charities have entries remaining for participants still looking for a way into this year's field. By registering through a charity, runners simultaneously become members of a fundraising effort that annually generates in excess of $10 million for more than 100 charitable causes. Interested individuals can visit chicagomarathon.com for details regarding late registration options through affiliated charitable organizations.

Chicago Marathon hopefuls living outside the U.S. also have the option to secure an entry via a number of tour operators offering travel packages that include registration to the 2009 race. All information regarding these offerings is available at chicagomarathon.com.

Registration for the 32nd running of the Chicago Marathon opened to the public on Feb. 1 and was met with continued enthusiasm from the international running community. Individuals from across the country and around the world signed up to compete in the World Marathon

Majors race that annually generates an estimated $140 million economic impact to the City of Chicago.

The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. More information on the race, remaining registration options and how to get involved is available at the event Web site, chicagomarathon.com.
www.chicagomarathon.com