Community Programs

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is proud to work with the Chicago community—from residents to businesses to city agencies—to produce a world-class event each year. The Chicago Marathon has developed numerous partnerships and outreach programs and is committed to being a positive force in the community.

Community Leaders
Chicago Park District Cross Country Championships
Nike Northside/Southside Challenge

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 through volunteerism and cheer stations.

2012 Community Partners
ABLA Local Advisory Council
The American Cancer Society
Armour Square Senior Housing Complex
Barbara Jean Wright Court Tenants Association
Bristol Apartments Seniors and Friends
Caribou Coffee
Cellmates on the Run – The Chicago Diabetes Project/UIC Sports
Chicago Sister Cities International, Osaka Committee
Chicago Sister Cities International, Paris Committee
Chicago Youth Boxing Club
Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Chinese American Service League
Consulate General of Switzerland
Fleet Feet Sports Chicago
Illinois Institute of Technology
Gilda’s Club
Groupe Professional Francophone
HALC – Hellenic American Leadership Counsel
IAFF Burn Foundation
Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund
The Leukemia & Lymphoma – Team In Training
Lithuanian-American Community/Consulate General of Lithuania
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
Catholic Charities
Old Town Merchant and Residents Assocation
Old St. Patrick’s Church
UIC Managerial Leadership Association
R.O.T.C. – Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corp.
Roosevelt Square
Run Together Midwest
SCC/Special Olympics
St. James Lutheran Church and School
The Moody Church
Team World Vision/Moody Radio
Team Red White and Blue
Tri/Taylor Families
UC Kids Club
UIC College Prep
University Commons Neighborhood Association
UNO Charter School Network
Vander Cook College of Music

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 before the Marathon with a championship competition. Children in the program receive finisher medals, bib numbers, certificates and T-shirts, along with the thrill of racing.

Click here (.pdf) to view a complete listing of the 2012 Chicago Park District Cross Country Championships.

Nike Northside/Southside Challenge

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. Click here to view the 2011 Nike Northside/Southside Challenge results.