The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon presented by the Illinois Agents of Farmers Insurance has reached its 12,500 capacity and has closed registration. Despite increasing the capacity of its race field this year from 10,000 to 12,500 runners, the event has sold out for the second consecutive year.

"We're extremely proud and grateful that our race field has once again reached record numbers," said Susan Nicholl, the event's General Manager. "We look forward to making this event a great experience for everyone involved."

Touted by Runner's World magazine as one of the Top 10 half marathons in the United States for two consecutive years, this year's race field is nearly 20 percent larger than last year, which itself was then the largest field to date. The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon has steadily grown since its inception in 1996.

Returning features include a Kids' Fest and a post-race festival featuring a concert headlined by hit Chicago band Underwater People. After raising more than $35,000 for the programs of Special Olympics Chicago in 2006, the event welcomes the Chicago-based organization back as its preferred charity. Additionally, Chicago Roadrunners, a 13- week half marathon training program, returned this summer under the direction of Beth Onines, who has developed Roadrunners into one of the largest training programs in Chicagoland.

Photo: The 2006 Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon