Community Programs

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon works with the entire Chicago community—from residents to businesses to city agencies—to produce the event each year. Without the support of its community partners, the event would not be possible. The Chicago Marathon has developed several outreach programs and is committed to being a positive force in the community.

Community Leaders
In partnership with the communities that comprise the marathon course, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon works with local leadership to activate spectators and fans from surrounding homes, businesses, schools and community groups to enthusiastically support the marathon runners. Several community leaders step up to organize their sections of the course.

If your community or organization would like to organize an official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Rally Station, please click here (PDF) for more details.

2009 Community Partners
Apostolic Church of God
Armour Square Senior Housing Complex
Canadian Club of Chicago
Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Chicago Sky - WNBA
CONFEMEX
Consulate General Of Switzerland
Fleet Feet Sports
Glenbrook North Cheerleading
Groupe Professionnel Francophone
HALC - Hellenic American Leadership Counsel
Hawkeye's Bar & Grill
Hosteling International Chicago
Illinois Institute of Technology
Lithuanian - American Community
Monoco Youth Group
Moody Radio/Team World Vision
Old St. Patrick's Church
R.O.T.C. - Righteosly Outrageous Twirling Corp.
Run Together Midwest
Sky Grocer
St. Ignatius College Prep Cheerleaders
St. James Lutheran Church and School
Sunrise Assisted Living of Lincoln Park
The Moody Church
The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign - Chicago I Fund
UNO - United Neighborhood Organization
VanderCook College of Music
Vision for Kenya

Athlete School Visits 
During race week, several elite athletes visit Chicago schools to share the stories of their success and the dedication it takes to become a professional athlete. They also discuss the importance of nutrition, fitness and exercise in all lifestyles. Athlete school visits are typically planned on Thursday and Friday of race week. Participating schools include The Nettelhorst School and Saint Ignatius College Prep High School.

Chicago Park District Cross Country Championships
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon gives back to the Chicago Park District by annually supporting the Chicago Park District CityWide Cross Country Championships. By helping host three qualifying youth races, the Chicago Marathon shares the joy and reward of exercise and fitness with the next generation. The series culminates on Saturday, October 3 with a championship competition at Chicago's Montrose Harbor. Children in the program receive finisher medals, bib numbers, certificates and T-shirts, along with the thrill of racing.

2009 Chicago Park District CityWide Championship Results
Ages 08-10: Boys | Girls (PDF)
Ages 11-12: Boys | Girls (PDF)
Ages 13-15: Boys | Girls (PDF)
Ages 16-17: Boys | Girls (PDF)

Click here (PDF) to view a complete listing of the 2009 results from the South, North, and West Regions.

Nike Northside Southside Challenge at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Nike and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon are inspiring the next generation of runners to run in the footsteps of their running heroes like Kara Goucher and Meb Keflezighi. The Northside Southside Challenge gives high school athletes the unique opportunity to compete in an invitational meet on the marathon course while the race is in progress.  Athletes will compete on behalf of their respective high schools as well as part of the larger Northside or Southside teams.  The race starts at Mile 24 where participants will compete over the last 2.62 miles of the course ending at the same official Marathon finish line.  Boys start will be at 7:40 a.m. Girls start will be at 7:50 a.m. Click here (PDF) to view the official press release. Click here to view the 2009 Nike Northside/Southside Challenge results.

Chicago Public Schools' Hanson Stadium Refurbishment
Bank of America and Nike announced a $100,000 joint commitment in support of youth running in Chicago, advancing the philanthropic heritage of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The announcement was made at the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and efforts are underway with the refurbishment of the Chicago Public Schools’ Hanson Stadium which plays host to track & field and football events at both the elementary and high school levels. Click here (PDF) to view the official press release.