FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bank of America Chicago Marathon to Help Set Opportunity in Motion for
Chicago; "10-10-10: The Date to Motivate" Campaign Launches Today
Campaign honors 10 inspiring race participants whose individual efforts
have a significant impact on communities in Chicago
Latest study finds nearly $150 million generated for local economy; over
$10 million for charity
CHICAGO, IL (August 18, 2010) - Bank of America today launched a new
integrated marketing campaign for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
and released results of the latest economic impact report, which found that
the event generates nearly $150 million for the local economy.
Additionally, more than $10 million is expected to be raised in connection
with the 2010 event, benefitting more than 150 nonprofit organizations, the
largest charity field in race history.
This year, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place on a historic
date - October 10, 2010. The accompanying marketing campaign, entitled
"10.10.10: The Date to Motivate," features 10 inspirational Chicago
athletes, their motivations for participating, and the impact they create -
not only through their involvement in the event but also through their
daily contributions to the local community.
Through the campaign, Bank of America is celebrating the emotionally moving
stories that come to life on race day by featuring everyday Chicagoans who
represent the energy and impact of the event. Bank of America teamed up
with Chicago photographer Sandro Miller to bring to life the 10 participant
stories.
"Bank of America's investment in this world-class event helps set into
motion opportunity for economic growth, greater support for charitable
organizations, and motivation for thousands of runners who positively
influence others," said Bank of America Illinois Market President Tim
Maloney. "When combined with the impact created by individuals like the
athletes being honored in this campaign, our support of the Bank of America
Chicago Marathon helps make communities stronger."
Participant-Focused Marketing Campaign
To share these real participant stories with the city of Chicago, the
athletes featured in the "10.10.10: The Date to Motivate" campaign will
appear throughout the communities in which they have made an impact.
Their images and motivations for running will blanket the city - from
banking centers and ATMs to airport terminals and CTA trains - to
illustrate how these athletes create opportunities for others in their
communities. Print and out-of-home advertising will appear in the Chicago
market from August through race day. In addition, all 10 athletes will be
featured on the city's renowned mural wall along the Kennedy Expressway at
North Avenue.
Among the 10 participants featured in this year's campaign are:
Diego Gonzalez, 26, Chicago, Illinois
Volunteer and Bank of America associate who is raising money for Open Heart
Magic; motivation is to bring magic and hope to patients in local
children's hospitals
Merri Lazenby, 38, Chicago, Illinois
Donated a kidney to a co-worker she had never met; motivation is to provide
support for cancer patients and inspiration through community-based
initiatives for others overcoming hardships
James Lilly, 40, Brookfield, Illinois
Inspirational speaker and wheelchair athlete; motivation is to educate kids
about avoiding gang violence - which caused his own paralysis - and
encourage other wheelchair athletes
Alan Robinson, 56, Chicago, Illinois
Disabled athlete/founder of Halo Man Foundation, which supports spinal cord
injury survivors; motivation is to inspire disabled people to pursue their
personal goals
Jim "Skinny" Sheahan, 64, Chicago, Illinois
Longtime Special Olympics Chicago Board Member; motivation is to give back
to the Special Olympic athletes that have inspired him since his first
marathon 30 years ago
"Each year, thousands of Bank of America Chicago Marathon participants use
the event to raise money and awareness for deserving charities. Those
charities, in turn, help make Chicago and our surrounding communities even
better places to live," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. "I'm pleased
to see Bank of America honoring 10 local participants and their incredible
contributions to Chicago. Similar to these athletes, the City of Chicago
takes pride in hosting the Marathon because of the positive force this
event continues to be for our local economy and the role it plays in
stimulating local charities."
In conjunction with the "10-10-10: The Date to Motivate" campaign, Bank of
America is encouraging participants and race fans to customize their
experience at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon through an interactive
voting program. Runners and race fans will have the chance to impact some
of the most memorable aspects of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
including this year's official poster design and marathon start song at
www.chicagomarathon.com
For complete information on these athletes and their stories, as well as
high-resolution images of the campaign creative, visit the online press
center at www.chicagomarathon.com/motivate or
www.facebook.com/chicagomarathon.
Helping Set Opportunity in Motion in Chicago
Drawing participants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more
than 100 countries, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon attracts new
visitors to Chicago from all over the globe during a traditionally down
period of tourism for Chicago. In fact, 23 percent of participants in the
2009 race reported that running the Marathon was the first time they had
ever visited Chicago and the sole purpose for their visit. This year's race
reached the 45,000 participant capacity in a record 51 days, closing a full
month ahead of 2009, indicating the event's continued strength as a draw
for visitors from around the world who will enjoy the city's hotels,
restaurants and entertainment.
Approximately 10,000 of the 45,000 registered participants for the 2010
race are raising money for more than 150 charities - record numbers of both
charities benefitting from the event and athletes racing for a cause. It is
estimated these runners will collectively raise more than $10 million. The
event also attracts more than 12,000 volunteers from the community to help
facilitate the race each year.
In addition, the most recent report by University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (R.E.A.L.),
which has studied the race impact on Chicagoland for several years, found
that the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will contribute nearly $150
million to the local economy.
About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
In its 33rd year and as a member of the World Marathon Majors, the 2010
Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant
Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 10. In advance of the race,
a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place October
8-9. Additional information on the race and campaign is available at
chicagomarathon.com.
www.chicagomarathon.com
###
|
