CHICAGO, IL -- The first 1,000 runners to start and finish The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon wearing neckties will win a free night at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide. The offer will launch Hyatt Gold Passport's'(R) Faster Free Nights promotion. You can wear the tie or pin it to your singlet, shorts hair or hat.

In addition, the first runner to cross the finish line wearing a necktie will win 750,000 Gold Passport points, equivalent to 50 free nights at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide. All runners must register at the Hyatt tent near Buckingham Fountain in the Runner Reunite Area after the race in order to qualify for the chance to win a Faster Free Night. The first 1,000 will be determined through verification, using results published in the Chicago Tribune the day after the race. Winners will be notified.

"Kicking off our Faster Free Nights promotion at The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is a great opportunity for us to showcase how easy it is for Gold Passport members to earn unlimited free nights at Hyatt," said Amy Weyman, vice president, Hyatt Gold Passport.

Hyatt Gold Passport's Faster Free Nights promotion allows Hyatt Gold Passport members to earn a free night after every two stays when paying with a valid MasterCard card from Oct. 15, 2003, to Feb. 29, 2004. Members can earn unlimited free nights and redeem their Faster Free Nights beginning Nov. 1, 2003, through April 30, 2004.

"The marathon is a Chicago tradition," said Fred P. Gore, senior vice president of North America Acceptance for MasterCard International. "Hyatt's Faster Free Nights promotion with MasterCard will make reaching the finish line an extra rewarding experience."

Lightweight Faster Free Nights neckties will be available at the Hyatt Gold Passport booth during The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Health and Fitness Expo at McCormick Place on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct.11, and at the Buckingham Fountain area the morning of the race.

For more information about Hyatt, visit www.hyatt.com.