At a time when the PGA and even some NFL franchises are struggling to must sponsorship dollars, Bank of America is upping its partnership with the Chicago Marathon.

The bank said it is launching 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 � Oct. 10, 2010.
 
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.

To market the event this fall, Bank of America has launched '10.10.10: The Date to Motivate,' an integrated marketing campaign that will focus on 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.

To share these real participant stories with the city of Chicago, the athletes featured in the 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.

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.