The
Bank of America Chicago Marathon (the event is owned by the Charlotte bank) is a major
marathon held yearly in Chicago in
Cook County, Illinois, United States. Alongside the
Boston,
New York,
London,
Berlin, and
Tokyo Marathons, it is one of the six
World Marathon Majors. Thus, it is also an
IAAF Gold Label race. The October 11, 2015 running will be the 38th anniversary of the race. The first race was held on September 25, 1977 under the original name the
Mayor Daley Marathon, which drew a field of 4,200 runners. The race has been held every year since, except in 1987 when only a half-marathon was run. It is among the fastest growing marathon
road races in the world, due in part to its largely fast and flat course which facilitates the pursuit of personal records and
world record performances. The race has achieved its elite status among marathons by developing relationship with sponsors who provide prize money to lure elite runners who have produced American and world record performances.