Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express.
Great Information. Quick Read.

THE SCOOP
The bidding process began in 1999 and this week the Federation of Gay Games announced its selection of Chicago as the host city of the 2006 Gay Games. For more on this:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/chicagogaygamesMar04.htm l

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CRUNCH CARNIVAL
Crunch Fitness is hosting a Grand Opening celebration with a carnival Theme on Thursday, March 4, at 939 W. North Avenue at Sheffield. What to expect? According to their press release, "The 50,000 sq. ft. facility featuring a giant orange slide, arcade games, a lounge with a fireplace, a pool with huge floating lotus leaves and peek-a-boo showers will be transformed into a whimsical background filled with Chicago's hottest creative talents from bands to burlesque dancers, art exhibits to body art, mimes to magicians . . . " and the list goes on. Admission is free but according to the folks at Crunch, you should email party@crunch.com or call 866-627-8624.

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DONATE USED SHOES
The Girl's Cross Country & Track team at Steinmetz High School, in Chicago, needs running shoes for its members. They should be in good condition and all sizes are welcome. For more information, contact Abel at misterpereyra@yahoo.com (include 'running shoes' in the subject line.) ---From the CARA eNewsletter

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Northbrook Velodrome Committee is looking for a volunteer to take the lead in organizing booth staffing at the Subaru Chicago Bike Show, March 26-28 at Navy Pier. Contact Pete Janunas at 773-386-7383 or jpjanunas@core.com.

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EVENT/DATE CHANGES
Run for OLR originally scheduled for May 22 has been cancelled.

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JOB OPPORTUNITY
Canari Cyclewear is looking for a Chicagoland area representative. For more information, contact Jim Johnston at 800-929-2925.

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SUNDAY IN THE PARK . . . . NORTHSIDE PARKS
On Sunday, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Fleet Feet's Historic Neighborhood Fun Run features Northside Parks and Colleges. Meet at the Lincoln Square store, 4555 N. Lincoln Ave., for the five mile run. To RSVP email rsvp@fleetfeetchicago.com or call 773-271-3338.

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THIS WEEKEND
Winter is drawing to a close, but Michigan still has some ski races. And closer to home the ever popular Wacky 5K is on Sunday. Chicago Athlete will be at the Wacky 5K and be sure to smile, you might be in our Faces at the Races. For more event information, check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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CHICAGO ATHLETE TRIVIA QUESTION
The ABD Indoor Time Trial Series #4 race is this weekend. The first 5 readers to send us the names of last week's winners in the categories AM 1/2 and AW4 will win complimentary admission tickets to the Subaru Chicago Bike Show, March 26-28 at Navy Pier in Chicago. Just email us the winners' names and your name with snail mail address to editorial@chicagoaa.com

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RACE PREVIEW . . .
On Sunday, March 28, run, walk and party at The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle! Don't miss Chicago favorite Poi Dog Pondering perform live at Post-Race Party hosted by Michelob Ultra and entry into this is free to LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K* and 5K Fitness Walk participants and one guest. Participants can redeem the tear-off portion of their Bib to receive one free Michelob Ultra beer (must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid photo I.D.). Additional beverages are $3 each. The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shufflle 8K is a CARA circuit race. For more details, check out:
www.shamrockshuffle.com