Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Enjoy the read.

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AthletiCo Post-Marathon Injury Clinic If you are experiencing pain or injury after the Chicago Marathon, take advantage of AthletiCo's free, walk-in injury clinic. The clinic will take place Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 7-9 p.m., at AthletiCo's Gold Coast facility, located at 1031 N. Clark. AthletiCo's physical therapists and athletic trainers will evaluate injuries and pro- vide a suggested course for treatment. The clinic will focus on general triage of injuries, First-Aid, soft-tissue work and injury prevention. Physicians will also be available. Walk-ins are welcome, or runners can schedule appointments by calling 312-951-9700.

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THE SCOOP
It was quite a weekend for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday as 40,000 (really more than that), entered, 33,155 started and 32,412 finished. A world-best debut of 2:05:50 by Kenyan Evans Rutto and a great women's race that finally was won by Russian Svetlana Zakharova in 2:23:07 set the day's tone. For Chicago Athlete's reports on the men's and women's elite races, check out: www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicago03mensfinal.html AND www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicago03womenfinal.html

For a pictorial look back at marathon weekend, check out our photo gallery at: www.chicagoaa.com/features/chicago03photos.html

One of the highlights of the marathon was the terrific performance turned in by our own Jenny Spangler. The 40-year-old marathon mom from Gurnee shattered the United States women's masters record with a 2:32:39. For the story, visit: www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicagomarathon03spanglerrecord.html

THE NEWS
OPEN HOUSE FOR PROPOSED DUPAGE TRAIL DuPage County will be hosting a public open house to solicit comments on the preliminary trail route for the new East Branch DuPage River Greenway Trail on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn. For further information, contact Deborah Jan Fagan at 630-681-2221 or e-mail to dfagan@dupageco.org.

CHICAGO TRI CLUB EARNS SECOND PLACE
The Chicago Triathlon Club finished with the same point total (146) as the Ann Arbor (MI) Triathlon Club in the final Mideast Regional club standings, but wound up second when it came to the tie-breaker - which club earned more points at the Club Championship Race itself. Here are the top five: Ann Arbor Triathlon Club -- 146 Chicago Tri Club -- 146 Tri-Fort Triathletes -- 144 Team Toledo Triathlon Club -- 137 Ford Athletic Swim Team (FAST) -- 134

STATE GETS MOUNTAIN BIKE REPORT CARD
Illinois has received a "C" rating on its trail access report card for 2003 from the International Mountain Biking Association. Illinois also received special mention as the fifth most improved state with an access trend that is on the increase. The Illinois Mountain Bicyclists' Coalition, founded earlier this year, is working to get Illinois a "B" on next year's report card. For more information, go to: www.imba.com

LOCAL RUNNERS EKIDEN-BOUND
A team of Chicago-area runners is en route to Japan to compete in the Sea Rim Ekiden in Nigata, Japan. Forming what will be known as Team Springfield, the local runners are Jim Akita, Jeremy Borling, Alana Crisman, Kelly Fox, Emily Hauer, Gloria Iverson, Jack Kafel, Brian Radle and Cameron Stuber. They'll run on Sunday against squads from Japan, Russia, China and S. Korea.

JAMES TOUGH AT TUFTS
Cindy James, 43, of Floosmoor placed third in the masters division at Monday's Tufts 10K in Boston. She ran a 36:16, earning $400. For race coverage, click here: www.runningnetwork.com/news/tufts10kfinal.html

THE WEEKEND AHEAD
The Pumpkins in the Park 5K, at 5 p.m this Saturday in Lincoln Park, heads up a busy fall weekend. This family-style race kicks off the city's "Chicagoween." Sunday's highlights are the Multiplex Stampede 5K and the DuPage Off-Road Challenge in Naperville for mountain bike racers. For the event schedule, visit: www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

Yes, there were a couple of other events last weekend besides the marathon! Check out: www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

THE REMINDER
The first of two Ride & Tie events in the Chicago area will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 in Orland Park. The 10-mile, two-person event combines running and cycling. The race benefits Open Lands of Orland Park and will be produced and hosted by The Human Race Sports. For more information, call 708-349-4724.

THE WINNER!
In our contest last week to pick the male and female winners of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, Dot McMahan of Jackson, WI, came the closest. She correctly picked Svetlana Zakharova in the women's race, but did not guess the correct men's winner, choosing Josephat Kiprono instead of Evans Rutto. Dot will be receiving a Chicago Athlete T-shirt.

THE CLOSER
Winter sports season is just around the corner. You can get a jump on the season at Ski Dazzle: The Chicago Ski Show & Snowboard Expo, Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 6-9 at the Donald H. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. For information, visit: www.skidazzle.com