Participant cap increased to 45,000
Open registration for the 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will officially begin on Jan. 1, 2007 as the race prepares to host its 30th anniversary running on Oct. 7, 2007. Following the highly successful 2006 race where registration reached its 40,000 participant capacity nearly five months in advance of the race, organizers have increased the capacity of the 2007 race to 45,000.

Registration will open online at www.chicagomarathon.com on Jan. 1 and will close when it reaches 45,000 participants. The price to register for the 26.2-mile race is $110 for U.S. participants and $130 for international participants.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will also continue working with a number of charities in conjunction with the 2007 race. Last year, nearly 5,000 runners elected to make their race more meaningful by committing to run on behalf of one of 60 affiliated non-profit organizations. The 2006 charity program collectively raised more than $9.2 million for its affiliated charities. Participants interested in registering as a charity runner should visit www.chicagomarathon.com for more information.

The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle
Registration for The 28th LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle will also open on Jan. 1, 2007 and can be completed at shamrockshuffle.com. The annual rite of spring to be held on Sunday, March 25 will feature an 8K run through the city and a 5K fitness walk along the lakeshore. The 8K will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park in similar fashion to the marathon.

Registration for either event is $35 per person and will close when the 30,000 person capacity has been reached. The capacity has been increased from its 25,000 person total in 2006.