CHICAGO (September 1, 2005) -- Both the men's and women's champions from The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will return to Chicago on Sunday, October 9 to do battle with a field of world-class athletes and 26.2 miles of Chicago pavement to maintain their title - LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Champion.

In only his third attempt at the marathon distance, Kenyan Evans Rutto, 27, won his second consecutive LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon last year in 2:06:16. Rutto is in the zone and ready to accomplish victory number three.

After receiving amazing support last year from the estimated 1.2 millions spectators that lined the course, Rutto is thrilled to be back attempting it again. "I am always overwhelmed by the support and excitement of the people in Chicago," said Rutto. "After protecting my win last year, I hope to keep up the winning tradition."

Romanian Constantina Tomescu-Dita, 35, also joins The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon elite field to defend her title for a second year. After finishing second in The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, Tomescu-Dita came into 2004 more determined than ever to take home the victory. Even after being bed-ridden with the flu only two days prior to the Marathon, Tomescu-Dita gritted her teeth and focused her eyes on the Finish Line, winning her first major marathon of her career in 2:23:45.

Earlier this month, Tomescu-Dita showed her strength again as she took the bronze medal in the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki, Finland coming in at 2:23:19. She is primed and ready to take on Chicago in October. As Tomescu-Dita puts it, "This year, I will have to pay close attention to the other runners as I again face strong competition. I am hoping to set a new Personal Best and to lower my current Romanian National Record of 2:22:50."

Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski added, "We are very excited to have both our champions back to defend their titles. Evans and Constantina both bring to the Race a brave front-running style that often defines the competition."

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 beginning at 8 a.m. 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.

The Health & Fitness Expo will take place Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8. 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 www.chicagomarathon.com or call 312-904-9800.