Chicago Marathon projected to post record-breaking turnout

This year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon “could be the largest ever,” a “sign that runners are past worrying about COVID-19,” according to David Struett of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Organizers said that “more than 47,000 runners are registered” for the Oct. 8 race, a “sizable field that could sprint past the record attendance set in 2019 of 45,932 finishers." Organizers said that “more than 47,000 racers registered in 2019 as well, but this year is trending to be the largest field ever.” Struett noted race officials “won’t know if a record has been set until weeks after the race,” when they calculate the number of finishers. Chicago Marathon Exec Dir Carey Pinkowski said that attendance also could be “potentially record-breaking” because, “for the first time, the Chicago Marathon is hosting the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Championships.” He added that the race, held concurrently with the marathon, will "bring in around 2,500 mostly international runners” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 9/6).