To subscribe or change your subscription information, click here.

Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Enjoy the read.

THE SCOOP
Registration for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has hit 39,000 and race officials predict registration will close this week, when it is expected that the cap of 40,000 participants will be reached. For the press release, visit: www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicagomarathon03_39000.html

**********************************************************************

THE ACCENTURE CHICAGO TRIATHLON
It is hard to believe we're coming up on the fourth Sunday in August, but we are, and that means Accenture Chicago Triathlon weekend is here. Once again, race founder Jan Callie has a great three-ring circus lined up. There's a lot to see and do, culminating with Sunday's big triathlon, the largest in the world. The expo is also a must-stop for anyone into the multisports mode. Make sure you stop by the Chicago Athlete booth while you're downtown picking up your stuff. And good luck to all racers! One session worth going to will be at Fleet Feet Sports, Piper's Alley. Mark down 7 p.m, Friday at 210 W. North Ave. That's where you can see a Q&A panel that features Dave Scott, Conrad Stoltz, Michellie Jones and Wendy Ingram. This session is free. See: www.fleetfeetchicago.com For all triathlon weekend details, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, please visit: www.chicagotriathlon.com

************************************************************************
THE NEWS
Ryan Shanahan of Muncie, IN and Lauren Jensen of New Berlin, WI were the class of the field in the international distance race at the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon. This year's registration was more than double last year's. For race coverage visit: www.chicagoaa.com/news/pleasantprairie03final.html

Kevin Monaham of 7-Up/Maxxis went by Chris Horner of Saturn and won the U.S.P.S. USPRO National Criterium Championship on Sunday in Downers Grove. "My teammates kept me out of trouble and I knew from last year where I need- ed to be," Monahan told the Chicago Sun-Times. "I needed to be first or second through the last turn and that is where I was." More information on all the weekend's races in Downers Grove can be found by visiting: www.sportsgrandprix.com

As usual, the athletes of Chicago were out and about last weekend. You can find many of the race results at once place on our Web site. Check out: www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

************************************************************************
ACCENTURE TRIATHLON NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are still needed for the Accenture Chicago Triathlon this weekend. If you're competing, the triathlon organization urges you to talk to your spouse, neighbor, friend or co-worker to see if they are interested in volunteering. Have them contact Greg via e-mail to: volunteer@caprievents.com or by leaving a phone message on the volunteer hotline at 773-404-7571.

And while we're at it, Chicago Athlete is still looking for people to help at our water/aid station the morning of Sunday, Aug. 24. If interested, e-mail editorial@chicagoaa.com. Thanks in advance!

**************************************************************************
THE REMINDER
If you haven't done it, try the Boulevard Lakefront Tour this year. Sunday, Sept. 14 is the date for the annual 25- or 35-mile tour of Chicago's historic boulevard system. The event is limited to 2,500 riders. You can sign up on- line by logging onto the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's event Web site at: www.biketraffic.org/blt

************************************************************************
THE QUESTION
OK triathletes, who are the defending men's and women's champions in this year's Accenture Chicago Triathlon? The first person to correctly answer the question will be sent a Chicago Athlete T-shirt. Please e-mail your answer to us at: editorial@chicagoaa.com

************************************************************************
THE ANSWER
Last week, we asked, "In what event did cyclist Marty Nothstein win a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics? The first person to send the correct answer was Autumn C. Palomino. The answer was match sprint. She will be receiving one of the coveted Chicago Athlete T-shirts! Way to go, Autumn!

************************************************************************
THE CLOSER
The CARA Circuit continues this Saturday at the DeKalb Cornfest 10K in DeKalb. After that, there are seven races to go. For more details, go to: www.cararuns.org