The Bank of America announced yesterday that registration for the Chicago Marathon has closed nearly six months before race day, as 45,000 runners have signed on, marking the event’s established capacity.

Runners who missed the deadline and still want to pursue registration may do so through one of the event’s 65 charity partners or affiliated international tour groups. More information on entries available through these organizations is available at www.chicagomarathon.com.

One prominent charity is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program. Participants in that program raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and patient services in exchange for marathon training and support. Since Team in Training’s inception, 375,000 athletes have raised over $850 million.

The 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago’s Grant Park beginning at 8 a.m. on October 12. Registration opened to the public on Feb. 1.

Since its inception in 1977 with 4,200 registered participants, the 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.