Cap of 40,000 Likely to be Reached Soon
CHICAGO, IL - Registration for the 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has reached 35,000 to date and is expected to reach the cap of 40,000 shortly. Once the cap is reached, registration will be closed and there will not be an opportunity to participate in this year's marathon.

"If you want to run this year's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, you'll need to register immediately," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "It's certainly common to have thoughts of running without actually registering, so if you've been training and have made that kind of commitment, you need to register today so you can compete in this year's race. "

The 26.2-mile race takes place on Sunday, Oct. 12. The cap was increased this year to 40,000 from 37,500. The marathon is open to all runners who can complete the course in less than six hours. Registration is $80 ($90 for international participants) and can be completed online at www.chicagomarathon.com.

Participation in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased dramatically since 1996 when 10,925 registered. The 2003 marathon has the potential to be largest marathon ever to take place. Pinkowski attests the record participation to the growing popularity of running and the fact that the Chicago race has become engrained into the Chicago sports scene.

"The marathon has become an integral part of the fabric of the City of Chicago and we see this more and more each year," said Event Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer for LaSalle Bank, Mark A. Nystuen. "Not only do 40,000 people run the race, but nearly 1 million spectators line the course, 150,000 people attend the Health & Fitness Expo, and the event is broadcast around the world. This has become an International event that Chicagoans have truly embraced."

New to this year's race are competitive and preferred start positions for those who meet certain qualifying times based on completion of a marathon or half-marathon since Jan. 1, 2001. The competitive and preferred start positions are staged closer in proximity to the start line and are offered based on registration date and valid proof received.

Qualifying times for the remaining 350 competitive start positions are 3:15:00 or less in a full marathon and 1:30:00 or less in a half-marathon. For the remaining 1,500 preferred start positions, the qualifying times are 3:45:00 in a marathon and 1:45:00 in a half-marathon.

For additional information, call 888-243-3344 (U.S. and Canada) or 312-904-9800, or go to www.chicagomarathon.com.