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The Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced today that participants in the 2024 event raised a record-breaking $36 million for local, national, and global nonprofits. This achievement marks the highest fundraising total in the event’s history, with participants raising more than $358 million since the charity program’s inception in 2002.

Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski expressed his excitement about the growth of the charity program, stating, “We’re excited by the growth of the charity program and the commitment thousands of runners make each year to run and raise funds for nonprofits both in Chicago and around the world. The funds raised by each runner allow the impact of the race to reach far beyond the finish line.”

The charity program has grown significantly since its launch in 2002, with 14 charities and 1,674 runners. Today, the program boasts 217 charities and over 17,000 runners expected to participate in 2025.

One notable participant, Carl Allegretti, President of Arbor Investments, made a significant impact in the 2024 event. Allegretti, a longtime Chicago Marathon participant, recruited his colleagues to run alongside him and engaged several of Arbor’s portfolio companies to support the event’s charity program. As a result, Allegretti became the event’s top fundraiser, raising a record $277,491 for three critical charities: Greater Chicago Food Depository, PAWS Chicago, and Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Allegretti shared his personal motivation for running, saying, “In 1986, I started running to get into shape after my college football career, and I ran my first Chicago Marathon that year. The reason behind my marathons changed in 2007, when my oldest son was diagnosed with cancer and cured by Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. After that, I made the commitment to run for Lurie’s and cancer research to give back.”

Individuals inspired by Allegretti’s story can still secure an entry into this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon through the official charity program. Those who register to run with an official charity are required to raise a minimum of $2,100.

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