Cap Expected to be Reached Soon
CHICAGO, IL (July 29, 2002) - Registration is soaring for the 25th Anniversary of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. To date, more than 25,000 runners have signed up for the Oct. 13 race.

Registration totals have been ahead of last year's pace, which set a record by reaching its cap of 37,500 entrants. The registration cap of 37,500 ensures from both an operational and planning standpoint, a race that will offer a safe and enjoyable experience for runners and spectators.

"We are thrilled with the registration numbers and want to remind everyone that the opportunity to sign up for our 25th anniversary race is now," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "Marathoners have been signing up more quickly than last year and we expect our registration cap to be reached very soon."

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is one of the premier races in the world. From 1996 to 2001, the number of registered runners grew more than three-fold from 10,925 to 37,500. In addition to the amazing growth of the field, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is now one of Chicago's favorite annual traditions with nearly a million spectators lining the 26.2 mile race course in 2001.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has a reputation as one of the world's fastest courses. Catherine Ndereba set a world record of 2:18:47 in 2001, while Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson set the still standing women's American record of 2:21:21 on Chicago's streets in 1985. In its 24-year history Chicago also has held two men's world records (1984 Steve Jones - 2:08:05, 1999 Khalid Khannouchi - 2:05:42).

Elite athletes will compete this fall for an event-record purse of $500,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest ever payout for first place in a marathon. The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. The race will be televised live on NBC5 and broadcast on Chicago's ESPN Radio AM1000 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

For more information, go to www.chicagomarathon.com.