Sold out for the first time ever with more than 10,000 participants, the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon is celebrating its 10th anniversary on race day, Sunday, Oct. 1.

The race is the longest running half marathon in Chicago and has been listed as one of the Top 10 Half Marathons in the United States by Runner's World magazine.

Staged from the sprawling campus of the Museum of Science and Industry, the scenic 13.1-mile course winds through Jackson Park, the historic University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park community, and continues along Lake Shore Drive with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline.

Weekend highlights include a two-day Quality of Life Expo on Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Merchandise Mart. Race day offerings include a commemorative T-shirt for all runners and medals for all finishers, round trip shuttle bus service to the race, and live entertainment along the racecourse. A Kid's Fest and a huge post race party at the Finish Line Festival round out an event that offers something for everyone.

In addition to Banco Popular, race sponsors include the Illinois Agents of Farmers Insurance, NBC 5, New Balance Chicago, Saturn, Gatorade, SALONPAS and '93 XRT, Chicago's Finest Rock.

2006 also marks the debut of the official training program for the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Roadrunners, and the first year with new preferred charitable partner, Special Olympics Chicago.

Traffic advisory: Northbound and Southbound Lakeshore Drive from 35th Street to 67th Street is expected to be closed form 6:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

For more information visit www.chicagohalfmarathon.com or call (312) 347- 0233. The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon is owned by Devine Sports, online at www.devinesports.com