Sunday marks the 39th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Here’s what stood out to us about one of the largest events the city hosts on an annual basis.
16
Days required to set up for the marathon.
5
Days required to tear down everything used for the marathon.
2
Days required to clean the goose droppings from Grant Park. This service is provided to keep runners and others involved with the race from an unpleasant experience when they sit on the grass to relax.
29
Neighborhoods through which the marathon route traverses.
$277 million
The estimated business impact of the 2015 Chicago Marathon.
60,000-plus feet
Amount of fencing around Grant Park in place for the event.
1,500
Portable toilets in use at the race (1,000 Grant Park and 500 on the course itself).
40,000
Approximate number of runners in this year’s race.
10,000
Approximate number of runners who hail from outside the U.S.
400
Massage therapists employed by the marathon on race day.
1.7 million
Estimated number of spectators.
108
Countries represented in this year’s race.
50
States represented in this year’s race.
77,760
Gallons of water provided to runners.
75,000
Bananas provided to runners.
200,000
Safety pins used.
38,500
Ice bags provided for runners at the finish line.
$100,000
Prize money for the winners of the men’s and women’s open divisions.
$75,000
Bonus money for anyone who breaks an open division course record (2:04:38 for men, 2:17:18 for women).
$18.7 million
Amount raised for charity in 2015, an event record ($150 million since 2002).
Source: Bank of America Chicago Marathon
@redeyesportschi | chsosa@redeyechicago.com
