FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank of America Chicago Marathon Celebrates Race's
Community Impact with New Campaign
Introduces first-ever digital fundraising program and new creative
featuring 2009 race participants and spectators
Releases results of newest economic impact study showing continued growth
in event's contribution to host city
CHICAGO, IL (September 1, 2009) The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today
launched its first-ever digital fundraising program, further extending the
race's annual philanthropic impact of generating $10 million for local,
national and global charities. The Marathon also introduced new advertising
featuring 2009 race participants as well as results of a 2008 event
economic impact study.
"Our 2009 campaign demonstrates how the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
makes a significant impact on not only the individual participants who
aspire to achieve their personal best, but also to the more than 120
charities that benefit from the race as well as the economy in the host
city of Chicago," said Tim Maloney, Illinois State and Chicago Market
President for Bank of America. "It's a source of great pride to know that
through our involvement in this event we can continue to contribute to the
economic, social and cultural vitality of the city and leave a positive
mark on the lives of so many people."
The digital fundraising program and advertising launch this month online,
in print and outdoor to celebrate the 32nd running of the Bank of America
Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11.
Digital Fundraising Program - Footprints for Charity
Beginning today, fans everywhere are invited to customize a digital running
shoe tread with a personal image and tailored message at
www.chicagomarathon.com/footprint. For each submission, Bank of America
will donate $1 to the designer's choice of one of 22 charities, up to a
maximum total contribution of $50,000. The completed digital footprints
will be viewable on the event site's home page.
On race day, the final results of the fundraising effort will be announced
and an additional $10,000 will be awarded by Bank of America to the charity
that received the most submissions on its behalf.
Fans interested in creating a digital footprint of their own should visit
www.chicagomarathon.com or www.facebook.com/ChicagoMarathon where videos,
training tips from elite runners and the latest Bank of America Chicago
Marathon news are also available.
Participant-Focused Advertising Campaign
To celebrate the many inspiring stories that come to life on race day, the
Bank of America Chicago Marathon is introducing a unique and new
advertising campaign for the 2009 event featuring real athletes and
spectators, ranging from elite, world-class racers to a mother who spends
her days chasing triplets.
The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon campaign, created by BBDO New
York, illustrates the theme that every participant and spectator who attend
on race day directly contribute to the impact that the race leaves behind.
Seven participants from this year's event are featured in the campaign, and
some of the inspiring stories include:
Steven Baskis (Forest Park, Ill.), an U.S. Army infantryman who lost his
vision in combat last year in Iraq will prove that limited sight won't
stand in the way of achieving his goals
Kurt Fearnley (Australia) will challenge the Paralympic record books -
again - as he defends his 2007 and 2008 Chicago titles
Marc Gershman (Scottsdale, Ariz.) will take another step towards completing
marathons in all 50 states
Sammy Wanjiru (Kenya), the 22 year-old 2008 Beijing Olympic Games gold
medalist will continue his quest to lower his personal best of 2:05:10
To recognize the important role of spectators, Executive Race Director
Carey Pinkowski is featured in the campaign, leading the cheering masses as
a tribute to his 20th anniversary with the event.
"The energy of Chicago fans is like nothing else in the world - they are a
huge part of what makes this race a world class event, and it's an honor to
be featured alongside them," said Pinkowski, who has served as Executive
Race Director since 1990.
Chicagoans can see the ad campaign in larger-than-life proportions on the
famed mural wall along the Kennedy Expressway at North Ave. Designed by
Chicago native, 23-year-old Chuck Anderson, the uniquely treated creative
illustration depicts participants and spectators in overlapping colorful
Nike shoe treads.
Print ads and outdoor elements featuring the participants will appear in
the Chicago market during the month of September and early October. For
full information on these stories and others featured in the campaign, as
well as high resolution images of the creative, visit the online press
center at www.chicagomarathon.com.
Race Charitable & Economic Impact Continues to Grow
As a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon draws a substantial international crowd and assists in
contributing to the economic vibrancy of the host city and raising money
for a number of worthwhile charities.
Approximately 8,000 participants registered in the 2009 Bank of America
Chicago Marathon are raising money for 123 charities. The Marathon
estimates these runners to collectively raise $10 million this fall for
local, national and global causes.
In addition to its philanthropic heritage, the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon also makes a significant contribution to the regional economy each
year. According to a new University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's
Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.) report which studied
the 2008 race, the Marathon contributes $143 million in economic impact to
greater Chicago. The study used the Chicago Region Econometric Input-Output
Model (CREIM) to derive theestimate of the total economic impact of the
event, which is largely derived from the tourism industry including hotels,
restaurants and entertainment.
According to the report, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon attracts new
visitors to Chicago and contributes to improving the image of the city as a
tourist destination. In addition, the event takes place during a low
tourism period, helping to reduce the negative effect of seasonality in
Chicago tourism.
About Bank of America Chicago Marathon
The 32nd 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 and how to get involved is available at the event Web site,
www.chicagomarathon.com.
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