CHICAGO (July 14, 2005)--Registration for The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is now closed. The 40,000 participant cap has been reached a full month ahead of last year's pace. For individuals who want to participate in this year's Race but have missed the deadline, a limited number of entries are available through The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Official Charities.

The three official Marathon charities of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon are offering 25 entries each into this year's Race. The official Marathon charities are The American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training and The National AIDS Marathon Training Program.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon also has four charity partners which will be offering 10 entries each into this year's Race. These charities are Alzheimer's Association, Cancer Research UK, Children's Memorial Hospital Marathon Team and Opportunity Enterprises. Participants can visit www.chicagomarathon.com for entries available through these charities and for additional information about running for charity.

Registration Confirmation Procedures
* Refunds, name transfers or deferments are not permitted.
* The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon does not endorse the selling or trading of Bib Numbers and will take action to prevent any such transaction. If Event Officials become aware of an individual involved with the selling or buying of a Registered Bib Number the individuals involved may be banned from participating in future LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon events.
* Registration Postcards will be mailed to all confirmed registrants.
* Confirmation Brochures with race weekend information and detailed instruction including Bib Number will be mailed in September to all participants.
* E-mail Confirmation text brochures with race weekend information and detailed instruction including Bib Number will be sent in September to all registered participants who have provided their e-mail address.
* Wheeled devices including but not limited to jogging strollers, walking strollers, roller skates and skateboards are not permitted on the course.

Please Note: Packets will be available for pick-up during the Health & Fitness Expo ONLY. There will be NO Race Weekend Marathon Registration and NO Race Day Marathon Packet Pick-up.

Competitive and Preferred Starting Positions start
If you have completed a marathon or half-marathon between January 1, 2003 and August 7, 2005 in a time faster than the times listed below and submit proof of your time to The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Office, you will be considered for a Competitive or Preferred Starting Position. Fax proof to The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Office at (312) 904-9820.

If you received a qualifying time at the 2003 or 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, simply check the appropriate box on the online or mail-in entry form. Proof is not required.

Marathon Qualifying Time
Competitive Start - 3:15:59
Preferred Start - 3:45:59

Half-Marathon Qualifying Time
Competitive Start - 1:30:59
Preferred Start - 1:45:59

Competitive and Preferred Starting Positions are limited and are not guaranteed beyond August 8, 2005. All start assignments will be final after August 15, 2005.

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. 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, 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, check out www.chicagomarathon.com