Flat, Fast and Now Closed

If you had your sights set on running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October, you may just have to save those thoughts until next year. The 32nd running of the race reached its capacity of 45,000 runners and is no longer able to accept general registrations.

That doesn't mean you can't be a part of Chicago's fall classic. Runners can still find their way into the race by committing to run with one of the race's affiliated charities--more than 70 to choose from--which still have openings. Or for international runners, spots are still available through tour operators offering travel packages that include race registration.

The October 11 race opened registration on February 1 and ironically closed on the same day in 2008. And here's to thinking that the economy might slow race registrations. With furloughs and layoffs at companies, those with more free time on their hands are turning more to exercise and crossing off those wish-list accomplishments. Or we're all just keeping up with the fitness in hard times to keep stress levels at bay.

Need another marathon to run this fall? Check out our list of popular marathons across the country or visit the calendar at marathonguide.com to help select a race. And keep in mind that October's Marine Corps Marathon is also closed, and the Twin Cities Marathon is expected to close in mid-May--only six days into registration, it was nearly 50 percent full. Photo grabbed from metaxin at flickr. Posted by Kate