On behalf of the entire 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon staff, Bank of America, the City of Chicago agencies, our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, I am excited to welcome you to the 33rd annual Chicago Marathon.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a celebration of thousands of miles run to get to the start line, of spirit, of endurance, of achievement, of diversity, of culture and of our own vibrant City of Chicago. There is an intrinsic connection among our 45,000 race participants, the more than 1.5 million spectators who line our city streets to cheer them on and the 12, 000 volunteers who give this marathon a steady pulse. The energy and tradition of this historic event beats with every cheer and every passing mile marker.

Thanks to the tireless devotion of Bank of America, the City of Chicago, our sponsors and our race participants, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has grown into a prestigious global event and one of five World Marathon Majors that gives back to its community. More than 10,000 charity runners will raise 10.5 million this year for over 150 local, national and global causes. Local businesses will be boosted by $150 million economic impact generated by the thousands of participants and visitors who travel to our city.

Since 1977, 474,953 participants have crossed our finish line. On Sunday, October 10, 2010, you will become a part of this legacy and a part of history. This year's Elite runners, charity runners, and thousands of other with personal goals and stories are what make the Bank of America Chicago Marathon a magical event. It is an honor to be a part of something so meaningful.

Good luck to all of you on race day. We hope you enjoy your 26.2-mile tour of one of the greatest cities in the world. We will see you at the finish line!

Carey Pinkowski
Executive Race Director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon