March cutoff for October marathon
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is expected to close registration this week, when it hits its cap of 45,000 runners for the October 9 event.
If you are producing a midwestern Marathon around that time, market to runners NOW. Many did not expect Chicago to close this early and they desperately want to run a marathon in mid-fall.
Advertise in Chicago area magazines, mail and email to runners in the Chicago area, and post information on your web site and on your calendar listings that is targeted to runners who have been shut out of the Chicago Marathon.
Marathon publicity has prompted a lot of people to want to race, even if they don't want to race a marathon. If your event offers a shorter distance, you can provide runners with the racing opportunity they're looking for.
Promote your event NOW!