Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. We hope you enjoy the read.

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THE SCOOP
If you wondered what Carey Pinkowski's reaction to Paul Tergat's marathon world record 2:04:55, run Sunday in Berlin was, here it is: "Well, I think he finally got it right," said Pinkowski, executive director of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. "We've been looking for that for three years now. On paper, it was obvious he had the ability to do it. It (Berlin) is a fast place. There's no doubt about it. I think the two fastest places in the world are Chicago and Berlin. London is quick, but the chemistry there makes it faster than it really is." Pinkowski's comments were made in an interview with Chicago Athlete.

If you didn't hear, Tergat, the 34-year-old Kenyan, known for his second-place finishes (twice at London, once in Chicago), ran 2:04:55, one second ahead of fellow Kenyan Sammy Korir, as both smashed Khalid Khannouchi's previous world record of 2:05:38, set at London in April 2002. For the story, visit:
www.runningnetwork.com/news/berlin03worldrecord.html

Meanwhile, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon formally announced the entry of three top Romanian women. More announcements are likely later this week. For the press release, visit:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicagomarathon03romanianwomen.html

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THIS WEEKEND
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K is this Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in Grant Park. You can still register on-line or in person today (Wednesday) at Vertel's on Michigan (24. S. Michigan) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Almost 10,000 people are signed up for this important event. For more information, call 708-544-1039, or click on:
www.chicagoraceforthecure.org

The schedule is full again, mostly with running and some biking events. One of the highlights is Saturday's Open Cross Country Meet in Skokie. And good luck to everyone running the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Des Moines and Detroit Marathons. For the weekend's complete event listings, visit:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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THE RESULTS
Last weekend was a typical for September, lots of events with lots of participants. We were at the Park Ridge Charity Classic and the Frank Lloyd Wright Runs, but there were many more races and events on a beautiful early fall weekend. Check out all the results in one place at:
www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

For our coverage of the Frank Lloyd Wright Runs, please check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/franklloyd03final.html

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THE MARATHON TRAIN
Special Marathon Trains are scheduled on Oct. 12 on Metra's Burlington- Northern Sante Fe Route from Aurora to Chicago. For timetables, go to:
metrarail.com/Service_Advisories/marathon2003.html

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THE YEAR TO XC SKI?
If you've ever considered Cross-Country skiing as a winter activity, you have a golden opportunity to hear what it's all about from two of the most well known instructors in the midwest. Dan and Leona Clausen of Minocqua Winter Park in northern Wisconsin, will speak at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 at REI's store, 17W160 22nd St., in Oak Brook Terrace. For more information, e-mail Scott Smith at trinord@yahoo.com

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THE TV ALERT
CBS-2 will air a recap of this year's New Balance Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon at 4 p.m. Chicago time this Sunday, Oct. 5. This year's race, with its fabled swim through the San Francisco Bay from Alcatraz Island to shore, hilly bike ride through coastal San Francisco and punishing run including the famous "Sand Ladder," was won by Simon Lessing and Barb Lindquist.

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THE REMINDERS
Zuza and FM 100.3 Radio will stage a special NIKEGoddess trunk show tonight (Wednesday) from 6-8 p.m. at the store, 2350 N. Clark St. Call 73-348-6650.

An open house featuring pro triathlete Jeff Frydenlund is scheduled for 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2 at RaceLogix in Evanston. Get more information by e-mailing: trimama@sbcglobal.net

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THE ANSWER
Congratulations to Paul Stofko of Chesterton, IN, who was the only person to correctly answer last week's question. Yep, it took 900 people four hours to stuff 40,000 goody bags for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Thanks to Opportunity Enterprises for providing the space to get the job done.

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THE CLOSER
Hey, you Ironmen and Ironwomen, we haven't fogotten you. We know the big day is Oct. 18 at Kona and you're counting the days until you head to Hawaii. Stay focused, and good luck from Chicago Athlete!