THE OPENER
Chicago Athlete's 2004 Resource Guide is out and will be delivered to many area specialty stores this weekend. Check out the new and expanded guide as you make your racing and training plans for the coming year.

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THE SCOOP
Olympic hopeful Jenny Spangler of Lake Villa will run The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K on March 28 as a tune-up for the U.S. Women's Olympic Marathon Trials in St. Louis on April 3. Shamrock race director Carey Pinkowski confirmed Spangler's entry on Tuesday. To enter, visit:
www.shamrockshuffle.com

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THE NEWS
Chris Wehrman of Chicago was the sole representative from Illinois at the U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials on Saturday in Birmingham, AL. Wehrman had severe back pain midway through the race, but gutted it out because of all supporters who had come down from Chicago. He finished 36th of 71 finishers (86 starters) in 2:23:29. For race coverage for the Running Network by Chicago Athlete editor Bob Richards, visit:
www.runningnetwork.com/news/usmenmarathontrials04saturday.html For a photo gallery, click here:
www.runningnetwork.com/features/usa04mensmercedesphotogallery.html

Evanston native Robert Gary placed third in the 4K on Saturday and second in the 12K on Sunday at the U.S. Cross Country Championships in Indianapolis. Wheeling native Jorge Torres was third in the 12K. Universal Sole-Reebok won the team competition in the 4K. Team members were Jeremy Borling, Cameron Stuber, James Akita and Tom Karpoff. For the Saturday wrap-up, click on:
www.american-trackandfield.com/news/uscrosscountry04finalgruber.html For the Sunday wrap-up, click on:
www.american-trackandfield.com/news/uscrosscountry04finalkennedy.html

The Runner's Edge has scheduled its Snowshoe Challenge run and walk for Sunday, Feb. 22 at Half Day Woods in Lincolnshire. Here's the story:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/runnersedgesnowshoe04.html

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased its total prize money to $650,000 with $125,000 to the winners and an American athlete bonus pool of $80,000. For the news release, click on:


The B.A.A. Boston Marathon has gone to a separate women elite start for this year's race on April 19. For the news release, click on:
www.runningnetwork.com/news/boston04womenstart.html

USA Triathlon has named its elite triathletes of the year for 2003. Click here:
ww.runnertriathletenews.com/news/usataoy2004.html

The Women's Sports Foundation is sponsoring a new award, "SportsGirl 2004. The Foundation is teaming up with the Wm. Wrigley Company to search the country for the top 50 girls aged 10-14 who demonstrate leadership qualities on and off the playing field. For more information, visit:


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CYCLOCROSS ANYONE?
Cyclists tired of being stuck inside can enter Sunday's Tour de Groundhog cyclocross race (required dismounts) in New Salem, IL, near Springield. For information on the 10 a.m. race, call 217-787-5460.

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THE WEEKEND AHEAD
Indoor track, indoor triathlon, masters swimming and outdoor running are on the schedule for this weekend, View our searchable calendar for listings:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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THE RESULTS
Results from the Step Up for Kids stairclimb and the Channahon 5-mile road race are posted on our site. Check them out at:
www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

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SIGNS OF THE TIMES
The Chicago Area Runners Association reports that the Chicago Park District will post new signs along the Lakefront Trail this summer. The signs reportedly will include maps and information on parking, bathrooms, local shopping areas and links to streets and other paths.

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THE CLOSER
Some big names, including Andy Hampsten, helped raise $20,000 for the fund to save the Northbrook Velodrome at a gala dinner Saturday in Skokie. Click here for story and photos. www.chicagoaa.com/news/velodrome04hampsten.html