Chicago Marathon Breaks Fundraising Record in 2019 – Runner’s World

• The Chicago Marathon raised $27.1 million for charities in 2019, breaking the event’s previous record.
• More than 12,000 runners contributed to the fundraising effort.

The Chicago Marathon announced another record-setting charity effort for its 2019 race on Thursday.

In total, the race raised $27.1 million, nearly $5 million more than the previous record set in 2018, according to a from organizers. More than 12,000 runners—nearly 25 percent of the total Chicago field— contributed to 172 nonprofit organizations locally, nationally, and globally.

“The Chicago Marathon is a celebration of humanity and the stories that come to life across 26.2 miles of roadway,” Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski . “Today, we celebrate the individuals who continue to challenge themselves by taking on the distance and those who decide to make their race more meaningful by dedicating it to a cause greater than themselves. We look forward to welcoming a new field of competitors in 2020 as we enter another decade of racing in Chicago.”

[Smash your goals with a Runner’s World Training Plan, designed for any speed and any distance.]

Runners who entered the marathon’s drawing were notified Thursday of their entry status. Those who did not receive an entry through the drawing can still sign up for the event through the event’s Charity Program, though runners with guaranteed entry can still raise funds through CrowdRise for the official charity partner of their choice.

Runners who register to run with an official charity will be required to raise a minimum of $1,750.

Related video: One Speedy Nun Makes the Chicago Marathon a Race for Good

Gear & News Editor Drew covers a variety of subjects for Runner’s World and Bicycling, and he specializes in writing and editing human interest pieces while also covering health, wellness, gear, and fitness for the brand.