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Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Enjoy the read. Remember, at Chicago Athlete . . . we are . . . who you are . . . Chicago Athlete.

THE SCOOP
The Starved Rock-Ottawa area will be host to either a marathon or an ultra-marathon the first or second weekend of November. "It will definitely happen," race director Hammy Handwerker said Tuesday. Handwerker also is putting on the first annual Hammerfest Triathlon in the same area June 21. For the latest info: www.hammerfesttri.com

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THE NEWS
Wheeling's Jorge Torres, in his senior year at Colorado, won the 5,000 on Friday at the Cardinal Invitational at Palo Alto, CA. Torres outdueled Meb Keflezighi of Team USA-California, 13:24.56 to 13:25.90. Said Torres, "It's my time to go out and prove myself and show that I'm one of the elite runners in America. Every time Meb made a move, I'd respond." For complete meet coverage: www.runningnetwork.com/news/cardinalinvite03final.html

Mike York of Athletes by Design in Winfield and Heather Haviland, Unattached, were the individual winners on Sunday in the Albertos 20K Time Trial in Hebron. The cycling event is part of the Mid-America Time Trial Series (MATTS) A field of 131 riders competed. For results, go to: www.ambikerace.com/2003/results/albertos.htm

The Rich Port YMCA in LaGrange will sponsor a Multisport Expo and Clinic from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is $50. Features will include speakers on swimming, cycling, running, sports nutrition and sports motviation and much more. Stop by the Chicago Athlete table and pick up the May issue. For all the info: www.richportymca.org

The Oct. 12 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased its total purse to $550,000 with $100,000 payouts to the male and female winners. It also was announced that American stalwart Rod DeHaven will run here this year. For more info: www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicagomarathon03prizemoney.html

The Lakewood Trail Challenge provided a fun alternative on another busy race weekend. Nathan Sweet was the top male finisher and the first-place woman was Sprite. For more info: www.chicagoaa.com/news/lakewood03final.html

Congratulations to Chicago Area Runners Association president Leesa Drake, who completed her 50th marathon on Sunday at Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon. Cincinnati-area runners won the fifth annual event, held in very good weather. Cameron Stuber of Chicago won the Papa John's 10K in 32:12. Way to go! For Running Network coverage: www.runningnetwork.com/news/flyingpig03final.html

There was some great road racing locally last weekend, particularly at the Naperville 10K Classic, where Chris Wehrman of Chicago beat Dan Mayer of Wheaton. Wehrman is in training for the Green Bay Marathon on May 18 and Mayer just ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon the week before. For weekend results: www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

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THE WEEKEND
This is Mother's Day weekend. The Great Lakes Ranndonneurs 300K bike brevet in Sharon, WI and the 25th annual Tour de Foot 5K in Elmhurst highlight the schedule on Saturday. the Y-Me 5k Against Breast Cancer is the headliner on Sunday. For the complete schedule: www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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RIVER QUALITY HEARING THURSDAY
The Illinois EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) will conduct the third of three public hearings on Chicago River water quality at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 8 at Stefani's at Harborside International Golf Course, 11001 South Doty Avenue East (Frontage Road), Chicago. This is your chance to say "yes" the river should be cleaner because a lot of us are using it for outdoor recreation. Directions from downtown Chicago - Take Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) east to Bishop Ford Expressway south. Exit at 111th and go east. Entrance is on Frontage Rd. The Friends of the Chicago River urge you to be in attendance. For more info: www.chicagoriver.org/

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THE MAY ISSUE
Chicago Athlete is off the press for May. Here are some of the top features:
Athletes of the Month
www.chicagoaa.com/features/athletesmonthMay03.html Do you know someone you would like to nominate to be Athlete of the Month? Check here for information:
www.chicagoaa.com/features/athletemonthcriteria.html

Spin City - Bike Chicago 2003!
www.chicagoaa.com/features/bikechicagomay03.html

Pedaling Politics - Elaine Nekritz Goes to Springfield
www.chicagoaa.com/features/repelainemay03.html

The Fleet Feet Historic Beat - Stepping Back in Time
www.chicagoaa.com/features/ffhistoricmay03.html

State's 4-Minute Milers - Where Are They Now?
www.chicagoaa.com/news/watnmay03.html For a related story:
www.nytimes.com/2003/05/04/sports/othersports/04MILE.html

Also of interest on our web site, but not in the magazine: Prep Distance Forecast
www.chicagoaa.com/features/highschoolmay03.html

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THE TV BEAT
Eco-Challenge Fuji is being broadcast this week on the USA Network. The last two segments are tonight and Thursday night. Check your listings.

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THE BEST PRODUCTS
Huffy Bicycle Company's Canopy Trike and Hoist Fitness Systems' Quik Change Dumbbell System are the co-winners of the 2003 Sports Edge Sports Product of the Year Award, administered by SGMA International. For more info: www.sgma.com

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THE CLOSER
The second annual Lakeshore Marathon is less than three weeks away. The May 25 event has a new start/finish area this year near McCormick Place. Race founder and director Mark Cihlar needs volunteers to make this a safe and worthwhile experience for participants. If interested, go to: www.lakeshoremarathon.com/volunteers.html