Chicago Marathon To Lance Armstrong: Stay Away

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 7, 2012 10:00PM

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is weeks away but we already know one runner who won't be participating. Cycling legend Lance Armstrong will not be allowed to run the Oct. 7 race, Armstrong spokesman Mark Fabiani told runnersworld.com Thursday.

Chicago Marathon director Carey Pinkowski released a statement today confirming that Armstrong wasn't welcome and explained why.

"[The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency]’s lifetime ban prohibits Lance Armstrong from entering races sanctioned by USA Track & Field, which applies to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, as well as all competitions governed by USA Track & Field.

"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has had no direct contact with Lance Armstrong, nor had he submitted a formal registration to participate in the race."

Armstrong was dropped his fight against doping charges and accepted a lifetime ban from the USADA, which found him guilty of using performance enhancing drugs for over a decade, last month. The ban effectively strips Armstrong of his seven straight Tour de France titles and an Olympic bronze medal in cycling. Armstrong began running marathons after his cycling career ended, often to publicize his Lance Armstrong Foundation providing support for people affected by cancer.