Press Release - The Chicago Marathon - 4/23/09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

      2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Registration Closes 
             as Race Reaches 45,000 Participant Capacity

 Limited Number of Entries Available Through Charities and Tour Groups

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.

                            ###