The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced that more than 10,000 runners raised $16.9 million through the 2016 Charity Program. Since the charity program was officially established in 2002, more than 106,000 runners have raised over $167 million for local, national and global causes.

“Our Charity Program speaks to the power and spirit of the running community, and one of the greatest legacies of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the significant impact the Charity Program has had on local, national and global causes,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director.

“Since 2002, charities have increased their revenue and visibility, and we have welcomed new runners across our finish line. We are proud that one of the premier hallmarks on race day is seeing thousands of charity runners striding together on the streets of Chicago to make a difference in the world.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the 15th anniversary of the official Charity Program. The 2017 Charity Program is underway with more than 170 charities participating. Runners who register to run with an official charity will be required to raise a minimum of $1,500.

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Chicago Marathon participants who run and fundraise on behalf of a charity can dramatically impact an organization and its mission, both locally in the Chicago community and abroad. For example, a runner raising $1,500 has the potential to make the following impacts: 30 children supported by Team World Vision will receive clean drinking water for the rest of their lives; the Greater Chicago Food Depository can provide meals for 4,500 men, women and children in the local Chicago community; and Chicago Run will assist 30 Chicago students with innovative and engaging youth running programs.

Runners interested in joining a charity team can visit ChicagoMarathon.com.