NOTE: NBC 5 will offer complete live coverage of the 2017 race beginning at 7 a.m. CT online and on TV. The race can be streamed live from around world on the NBC Chicago app, which will also offer a live stream of the finish line from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for more.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is saying "Happy Birthday" with a special gift for runners turning 40.
In honor of its 40th anniversary, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon delivered birthday cards and a commemorative patch to all participants celebrating their 40th birthday in 2017.
The circular patch features a boldface 40 in the center with the hashtag "Chi40Club" stitched across the bottom.
Nearly 2,000 runners received the unique anniversary patch, marathon officials say, including 15 participants celebrating the big 4-0 on the actual race day.
California native Maggie Shearer is one of those runners sharing her special day with the marathon.
"I am so excited to spend my 40th birthday going after a goal that I have worked so hard to achieve," Shearer said.
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Shearer will also attempt to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, at the Oct. 8 marathon.
With race day less than three weeks away, check out our guide to the 40th anniversary festivities here.
