The 46th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon took place, drawing an estimated 50,000 runners from over 100 countries and 1.7 million spectators, marking a record attendance. The event, starting in Grant Park, significantly boosted Chicago's economy, contributing approximately $550 million and creating nearly 3,700 full-time jobs. Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner successfully defended their titles in the Men's and Women's Wheelchair races, respectively. Besides the athletic achievements, the marathon supports numerous charities, with around 16,000 participants running for various causes, potentially raising $30.4 million. The marathon's diverse impact includes boosting local businesses like restaurants and hotels, with establishments offering various perks and discounts to runners. This marathon weekend is a major cultural and economic event, comparable in impact to other large city events like Lollapalooza and the NASCAR Street Race.