The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a Charity run. It hosts thousands of runners who choose to make their Chicago Marathon experience more meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. These runners begin the training season with goals for personal bests in their marathon time as well as in fundraising dollars. With every step you take and every dollar you raise, you can help organizations doing important work in our communities, and touch the lives of those in need. In 2017, over 10,000 charity runners participated in the Chicago Marathon on behalf of more than 170 local, national and global causes. The marathon takes place on October the 7th within the area of the Grant Park.