Photo: New Balance rep, Jacob Zych, showing new shoes and presenting a New Balance Marathon passport to a runner at Monday night's Fleet Feet Sports "Feed Your Feet" Fun Run.

BOSTON, September 27, 2004 - New Balance will offer race spectators and enthusiasts at The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon a unique VIP ticket to the marathon experience with the debut of the New Balance Marathon Passport.

An all-access guide to The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, the Marathon Passport is free at 25 Chicago-area participating New Balance retailers with any qualified New Balance purchase of $100 or more. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 10.

The multi-faceted Marathon Passport program features an actual "passport" that includes a one-day CTA pass, customized map of the marathon route, discount offer on any New Balance purchase at the 25 local retailers, information about New Balance elite runners, and marathon "must-know" facts.

Marathon Passport holders will receive access to the New Balance Nation -- on-course activity areas at Miles 13, 21 and exclusive grandstand seating and hospitality at the finish line. These cheering zones will offer activities for spectators including live entertainment, refreshments, internet access to check on runners, and giveaway items to use for cheering. New Balance will offer free shuttle service to Marathon Passport holders between the New Balance Nation areas so spectators can view their runners at three different locations. The program also includes special offers from other marathon partners.

"We believe the New Balance Marathon Passport program will not only increase awareness of the marathon but more importantly boost race-day excitement for both fans and runners," says Katie O'Brien, Marketing Promotions Associate at New Balance. "The Marathon Passport clearly demonstrates our brand's commitment to marathon spectators and participants as a long-time sponsor and supporter."

For more information on New Balance and the Passport program and a list of participating retailers, please visit www.newbalance.com/passport. The New Balance Marathon Passport is available while supplies last.