CHICAGO (June 30, 2005) - Registration for The 28th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon already reached 30,000 and is heading toward the 40,000 participant cap at record pace - thirty percent faster than last year. The anticipated close of registration for the 2005 race is late-July.

Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski commented, "The record increase in 2005 registration illustrates just how popular The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has become. Whether you are a runner, spectator, volunteer or sponsor, the enthusiasm and excitement of being part of this great Chicago sporting event is evident. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has truly become a traditional part of the Chicago Sports profile on a local, national and international level, and we look forward to a great day and great event on Sunday October 9th."

For runners working to achieve their 26.2-mile goal, registering for the Marathon is only the first step. Training is the next and most critical step.

Training Consultant Hal Higdon who has completed more than 100 marathons suggests there a two ways to approach Marathon training: with a group or individually. Either way, marathon training should be grounded in building your mileage, performing long runs and taking days off each week to allow for recovery.

If you want to train individually, training information is readily available on the Web. Training tips are available through the Marathon's InterActive Training Guide. This official online training program offers novice, intermediate and advanced levels of training. This InterActive Training Guide is provided free to chicagomarathon.com visitors.

For those interested in training with a group, The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Training Program includes guest speakers for motivation, coaching, pace groups for almost any speed and most important, people to run with. Learn more about this program, which has a 99.9 percent completion success rate during the past 15 years, at www.cararuns.org.

The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday, October 9 starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. The race will be broadcast live on CBS 2 CHICAGO and ESPN 1000. Last year's race attracted the maximum 40,000 participants. Elite athletes will compete for a portion of the $650,000 prize purse, the highest in the sport. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon draws world-class athletes and participants from all 50 states and from more than 122 countries.

Runners may register online at chicagomarathon.com until the participation cap has been reached or August 15, whichever comes first. There will be no Race Weekend registration. The entrance fee for the Marathon is $90 for U.S. runners and $100 for international runners.

The Health & Fitness Expo will take place Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, 2005. The weekend will include more than 150 exhibitors featuring the newest designs in running gear and shoes, as well as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition.

For more information visit www.chicagomarathon.com or call 312-904-9800.