Registration expected to close this week when 40,000 Cap is Reached
Chicago (August 19, 2003)--Registration for The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has reached 39,000 and is expected to close this week when the 40,000 participant cap is reached. The time to register for the race is now-once the 40,000 cap is reached no new entries will be accepted.

The preferred method of registration at this point is through the event's Web site at www.chicagomarathon.com. Mail-in entries will still be accepted but are not recommended because of the processing time and limited number of entries available.

The 26.2-mile race takes place on Sunday, October 12. The cap was increased this year to 40,000. The marathon is open to all runners who can complete the course in less than six hours. Registration is $80 ($90 for international participants). For additional information, call (312) 904-9800.

"Registration for this year's event is at an all-time high with the increased registration cap and will close in record time," remarked Mark A. Nystuen event chairman and chief marketing officer for LaSalle Bank. "With only 1,000 spots available, we expect that registration will close before the end of the week."

All charities associated with The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon may have some entries available for those unable to register before the cap was reached. Visit the event's Web site for a complete listing of charities associated with the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

Participation in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased dramatically since 1996 when only 10,925 registered. The 2003 marathon has the potential to be largest marathon ever to take place.

Elite athletes will compete this fall for the highest marathon purse ever, $550,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest first place payout in the sport. The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, October 12 at 8 a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park and is expected to draw up to the increased registration cap of 40,000 participants. CBS 2 CHICAGO is the official broadcast partner of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and will cover the race live from 7:30 to 11 a.m. race day.