The 34th Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon

 

NBC 5 Chicago’s coverage will be led by sports reporters Mike Adamle and Paula Faris, along with Ed Eyestone, a two-time Olympic marathoner and long distance runner. All three will provide color commentary and analysis as more than 45,000 runners compete along the 26.2-mile course, which begins and ends in Grant Park and winds through 29 Chicago neighborhoods. More than one million spectators are expected to line the course.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On Sunday, October 9, 2011, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream. Following are all the details participants need to make sure they are ready for race day.

Location and Start Time Location: Wheelchair Start: Marathon Start:

Grant Park, Chicago 7:20 a.m. (CDT) 7:30 a.m. (CDT)

Note: Spectators attending the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will have limited race day access to Grant Park between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, and between Monroe Street and 11th Street. This area of Grant Park will be designated as a “Participant Only” zone until approximately 8 a.m., at which time spectators will have access to additional areas of Grant Park.

More info. at:  http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/

Race History

In November 1976 at the Metropolitan YMCA on LaSalle St., five key founders of what would eventually become the Bank of America Chicago Marathon met to begin discussions and planning. Those present included Wayne Goeldner, physical education director of the Hyde Park YMCA; Wendell “Wendy” Miller, a partner in a financial advising firm and founder of Midwest Masters Running Club; Bill Robinson, Executive Director of Friends of Parks; Sharon Mier, Director of Women’s Sports at the Loop Center YMCA; and Dr. Noel Nequin, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Swedish Convenant Hospital. At this meeting, the group decided it was time for a marathon in Chicago.

More at: http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/chicago_marathon/press_center/index.aspx?id=4191