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Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express.

THE SCOOP
World record-holder Khalid Khannouchi will launch his bid for the 2004 Olympics at The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12. Khannouchi will use Chicago as a springboard to the U.S. Olympic Trials next February in Birmingham, AL. Of course, Khalid wouldn't mind taking care of other business while he's here -- like bringing down his own world record (presently 2:05:38 at London in 2002). This will be Khannouchi's sixth appearance in Chicago. He has four championships and one second in his first five Chicago runs. Khalid took time out on Tuesday night to throw out the first pitch at the Cubs game. Maybe his success will rub off on them! Khannouchi also will run the Steamboat Classic in Peoria on June 7. For the marathon press release:
click here

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THE NEWS
The Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Northbrook begins its Thursday night racing schedule tonight (May 29) at 7:30 p.m. The track is in Meadowhill Park, just off Waukegan Road on Maple Ave. Track bike racing is fast-paced and very interesting to watch. There is a lot of strategy, not just all-out pedaling. If you're a racer, give it a try. Here's where you can get more information:
www.northbrookvelodrome.com

Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Audi of America, Inc. have been announced as title sponsors for the 2003 Pleasant Prairie Triathlon, taking place on Sunday, Aug. 17. The second annual event will feature international-distance and sprint- distance competition. It will serve as the USAT's Midwest Region international- distance championship. For race information, call 262-947-0437, or visit:
www.PleasantPrairieTriathlon.com

The Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS), sponsored by Subaru, America's Largest State Mountain Bike Racing Series, will kick off one of its largest events ever at the WORS Cup State Race powered by Williamson Bicycle Works at Devil's Head Resort in Merrimac, WI from June 6-8. This event is expected to draw more than 2,000 racers and spectators for the three-day period. For complete information, call 715-592-5095, or go to:
www.wors.org

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THE RACE REPORT
The Lakeshore Marathon had sun instead of rain (last year) as 650 runners completed the course. Jordan Dubow, 25, of Highland Park won in 2:37:21, while Suzy Collin, 23, of East Lansing, MI, was women's champion in 3:17:42. For the full story on Sunday's 26.2-miler:
click here

Out at the Quad Cities Criterium, the winners were Hayden Godfrey, 25, of Christchurch, New Zealand, and Sherri Stedje, 38 of Lutz, FL. For most of the riders, this was the fourth race in four days . . . no easy feat at any level.

Monday's 26th Ridge Run produced some strong performances in both the 10K (CARA Circuit) and 5K. Chris Birchall, 24, of Chicago, and Lisa Menninger, 38, of LaGrange led the 10K. Scott Anderson, 29, of Chicago, and Amy Boehle, 23, of Greenville, IL led the 5K. It was a glorious day for racing on the South Side. Check out our story and photo gallery:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/ridgerun03final.html

Here's the honor roll (tip of the iceberg) from other weekend races: Golden Apple 5K: Matt Thull, 28, Wauwatosa, WI, 14:36 ($500); Dot McMahan, 26, Shorewood, WI, 18:01 ($500). Western Springs Tower Trot - 5K: Bob Cisler ,33, Clarendon Hills, 15:51; Cindy James (she's back!), 43, Flossmoor, 18:02. 10K: Wayne Dalton, 31, New Berlin, WI, 35:17; Christen Meyer, 40, LaGrange, 39:48. Ellgin Fox Valley Fox Trot - 10M: Tom Bellos, 36, Joliet, 54:01; Jenny Spangler, 39, Gurnee, 58:04 (performance of the week!). 5K: Josh Ruston, 23, St. Charles, 16:11; Pauline Garcia, 15, Streamwood, 19:05.

There were many other events, including the Mad City Marathon in Madison, WI. Chicago favorite Rod DeHaven won his hometown half-marathon with a 1:12:38.

For results . . . and more results, go to:
www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

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THE STORE FRONT
Dick Pond Athletics' fourth store is open at 303 N. Second St., St Charles. As part of Grand Opening Week, Chicago Athlete will sponsor a fun run at the store at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. C'mon out and join us for a nice run, prizes and refreshments. For more information, call 630-587-0745.

Hal Higdon will speak on "18 Weeks to Glory" on Sunday, starting at 5:30 p.m., at Fleet Feet Sports, 210 W. North Ave. Hal will be available for a book signing at 4:30 p.m. Go to:
www.fleetfeetchicago.com

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PREP THREE-PEAT
Congratulations to Samantha Polock of Wheaton North after her victory on Saturday in the 800 meters at the state girls meet in Charleston, IL. Polock ran a PR 2:10.41 to capture her third consecutive state 800 title. Other distance winners were Kristin Whitezell of Glenbard North in the 1,600 with a 4:59:15, and Amy Laskowske of Palatine in th 3,200 with a 10:37.95. Evanston was Class AA team champ. Freeburg won Class A.

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THIS WEEKEND
The Run for the Zoo, Roselle Run for the Roses, Elim Covered Bridge runs, Fifth Third Bank Half-Marathon, Mid American Canoe Races, Udder Century Tour de Cure-DuPage County and 12 Hours of John Muir (Mountain biking) are just some of the many events on tap this weekend. Look for the Chicago Athlete tent at the Run for the Zoo. It is a very busy weekend! For more events and specific dates, times and other information, go to:
results

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THE TV BEAT
USATF's 2003 Outdoor Golden Spike Tour continues Sunday, June 1 at the Home Depot Invitational in Los Angeles. Don't miss the live ESPN2 broadcast from 2:30-4 p.m. Central Time. For more information on the Golden Spike Tour, visit:
www.usatf.org

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TRIVIA PHOTO CONTEST!
Congratulations to Jeff Wagner of Orland Park and Bill Fitzgerald of Chicago for being first to identify our mystery picture last week as former Loyola University miler Tom O'Hara. You can read about O'Hara and other Illinois sub-4 milers at:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/watnmay03.html

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THE CLOSER
The June issue of Chicago Athlete will be at specialty stores and health clubs this weekend. We hope you like our lineup of stories and features this month. The Pose Method of running, bike tips from local stores, triathlon training and a special Women's Running insert are just a few of the things we've packed into this issue. We value your feedback. E-mail us at editorial@chicagoaa.com with letters to the editor, comments or suggestions.