Presented by Bank of America
On Sunday, October 9, more than 40,000 runners laced up their shoes for the 44th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The internationally recognized event remained true to its legacy, welcoming a field ranging from elite athletes, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners, and charity participants spanning all 50 Chicago wards, 50 states, and more than 100 countries. Under sunny skies and ideal race conditions, Kenyans Ruth Chepngetich and Benson Kipruto took first place in the women’s and men’s elite competition, respectively; Emily Sisson set the American marathon record by 43 seconds; and Conner Mantz, making his marathon debut, became the seventh fastest man in U.S. history.
Nowhere is Chicago’s one-of-a-kind energy more electric than on Sunday at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, as more than one-million spectators line 26.2 miles of pavement across 29 Chicago neighborhoods. But the impact of the annual marathon extends far beyond Sunday’s race.
Consider this: In 2021, despite a reduced field as the event returned from the pandemic hiatus, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon created 2,170 jobs and had a $307 million economic impact on the city of Chicago. What’s more, thousands of runners raised more than $21 million for 180 charitable organizations last year, bringing the total charitable impact of the marathon to $265 million since 2002!
In addition to its robust economic and charitable impact, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon creates important visibility for women’s sports, spotlighting female accomplishments both on and off the racecourse. This year, Bank of America deepened its commitment to providing pathways for young women athletes by partnering with Girls on the Run Chicago for the inaugural Play It Forward Running Clinic.
Hosted on Thursday of marathon week, the immersive clinic welcomed dozens of girls from Chicago’s west and north sides for an afternoon of world-class running instruction and inspiration. The student runners learned valuable skills including stretching, pacing strategies, warm-up techniques, and sportsmanship from running trailblazers, including Olympian Deena Kastor and decorated track and field athlete Treniere Moser.
Building on its commitment to Chicago’s running community, the team behind the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 13.1, and Shamrock Shuffle has announced the debut of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series for 2023. The Distance Series connects all three unique events that span the outdoor running season, from an approachable 8K to the renowned marathon. Individuals who finish all 2023 events will receive a unique Bank of America Chicago Distance Series medal and will be eligible for a guaranteed entry into the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
“As a native Chicagoan, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a reminder of what makes this city vibrant and special,” said Rita Sola Cook, President of Bank of America Chicago. “Bank of America’s commitment to Chicago spans more than 160 years, and it’s so rewarding to watch that commitment grow year over year. We’re truly honored to host such a dynamic and impactful portfolio of races, and we look forward to celebrating our new Distance Series with our friends, neighbors and clients in 2023!”
The 45th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 8. The Chicago 13.1 will be hosted on Sunday, June 4, and the Shamrock Shuffle takes place Sunday, March 26. The four-week application period for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon opens on Tuesday, October 18.
For more information or to get involved, visit the official event page!