Chicago Marathon record breaker: Registration sells out in 6 days

Runners were quick off the mark to register for the 2012 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which sold out in a record six days.

The fall race hit its maximum of 45,000 participants today, according to race officials.

"We are very fortunate," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director.

He was unable to pin this year's record on a specific reason, but he believes the Chicago Marathon's reputation and spectator enthusiasm are contributing factors to its growing popularity.

Last year, registration for the 26.2-mile race sold out in 31 days, the previous registration record, organizers said. A decade ago, it took 35 weeks to reach maximum capacity.

Registration for the Oct. 7 race opened at noon Wednesday. Three days later, more than 37,000 people already had paid $150 each to enter. Last year, there were 20,996 registrants by day 3, a spokeswoman for the race said.

"I had a feeling that we would (sell out) in a week," Mr. Pinkowski said.

Runners who lost out on getting a spot at the starting line can still gain entry through the marathon's charity program. More than 90 organizations have spots for the 35th annual race. Details can be found at ChicagoMarathon.com.