2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Registration Closes as Race Reaches 45,000 Participant Capacity Limited Number of Entries Available Through Charities and Tour Groups CHICAGO (April 23, 2008) Bank of America announced today that registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has closed as 45,000 runners have signed on to complete the 26.2-mile race, marking the events established capacity. A limited number of entries are still available through affiliated charities and tour groups. It is encouraging and rewarding to see the intense commitment from running enthusiasts across the globe registering for this race more than six months in advance, said Bank of America Illinois Market President David Rudis. We are proud to match their enthusiasm by continuing the tradition of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, clearly one of the greatest running events in the world. Runners who missed the deadline and are still interested in registering for the 31st running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon may do so through one of the events 65 charity partners or affiliated international tour groups. More information on entries available through these organizations is available on the event web site, chicagomarathon.com. Since its inception in 1977 with 4,200 registered participants, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon has grown to a field of 45,000 runners attracting 1.5 million spectators and generating more than $10.5 million for charity in 2007. The 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicagos Grant Park beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 12. Registration opened to the public on February 1 and closed today when the participant capacity of 45,000 was reached. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11. More information on the race and how to get involved is available at chicagomarathon.com. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationshipswith more than 6,100 retail banking offices, nearly 18,500 ATMs and award-winning online banking with nearly 25 million active users. Bank of America is the No. 1 overall Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the United States and the No. 1 SBA lender to minority-owned small businesses. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 99 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 83 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed ! on the New York Stock Exchange. www.bankofamerica.com ###
