Organizers of the Chicago Marathon
CHICAGO: The 40th Anniversary of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon generated a record setting $ 338 million in estimated business impact to the city of Chicago in 2017. It helped to raise $18.5 million for charities, making it the largest one day charity event in the State of Illinois.
It drew 45, 273 participants to Windy City from over 100 countries. International runners made up 23 % of the participants, with the largest representations from Mexico – 2,225 runners, Canada (1,777), United Kingdom (1,741), China (1,347), Brazil (1,209), Germany (566), Hong Kong (481), Costa Rica (471) and Italy (453).
With the generous support of Bank of America, the Chicago Marathon has grown into one of the largest races in the world and a strong economic engine for our city”, said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “This year, we look forward to welcoming more runners, their families and friends to participate in a truly great Chicago tradition”.
The length of the Marathon: 26,2 miles. Around 45,000 athletes from over 100 countries, from all 50 US states, from all Wards in Chicago.
There were five athletes who run 50 marathons.
Carey Pinkowski, is the Executive Race Director for Chicago Marathon for many years. “
Chicago Marathon is one of many examples to show Chicago as the global city. It attracts the best athletes from all over the world.
What are the financial rewards? It’s hard to get rich as a professional marathoner. The female and male Chicago winners each get $100,000. Wheelchair winners get $15,000. The total amount distributed among all the money winners is $803,500.
“What started as a local race with a few thousand runners has grown into a world class, environmentally responsible event and Chicago tradition for the city’s resident”, said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director. “The marathon’s outsized impact on our city and community comes to life in what I like to call a 26.2 mile celebration of commitment, determination and passion for everyone involved.”
Simon Wlodarski, my professional colleague is one of 350 volunteers from Bank of America.
It is estimated that about 1.7 million spectators will be cheering more than 40,000 athletes from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive on Sunday, October 7th, 2018.
Simon Wlodarski and Andrew Andrzej Mikolajczyk.
Text and photos @ Andrew Andrzej Mikolajczyk
