Marathon registration beats record – closed in 6 days

SHARE Marathon registration beats record – closed in 6 days
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Runners head north on LaSalle St. during the Chicago Marathon Sunday, Oct. 09, 2011, in Chicago. | John J. Kim~Sun-Times

It’s turning out to be a record-breaking year for the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon – and the race is still months away.

Registration for this year’s race closed in just six days, after the maximum 45,000 participants signed up, race officials said Monday. That beats the old record – set last year – by 25 days, officials said.

Race organizers said a special push as part of the 35th anniversary celebration of the Chicago marathon – much of it driven by social media – helped to boost interest.

As recently as 2003, it took 35 weeks to close registration, organizers said.

If you are still looking to participate, openings are available for runners willing to raise money through the Charity Program listed at Chicagomarathon.com.

Stefano Esposito

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