June 15, 2004 (Chicago) - The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has teamed up with the Chicago Park District to help renovate 6.7 miles of the soft-surfaced running trail along Chicago's lakefront. To help the Park District's efforts to the Lakefront running trail, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has contributed $125,000 to aid the project. The trail is scheduled for completion this summer.

In addition to the renovation, part of the contribution will go towards the creation of a comprehensive summer guide that will keep Chicagoans and tourists alike up to date on lakefront activities. The new guide will give the 60 million summer visitors detailed information on what the shoreline has to offer.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and the Chicago Park District have worked in collaboration over the past several years to cultivate the trend of running amongst Chicagoans. The long-term relationship between the two organizations recognizes the importance of good running trails throughout the city. "We greatly appreciate our relationship with both the city and the park district," says Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "This improved path will serve as a training ground for thousands of marathon runners as well as a starting point for all those who are beginning to embrace the sport of running."

The city of Chicago has seen a huge increase in the popularity of running. This trend is evident with the rising levels of participation in the Chicago marathon. The Chicago marathon now hosts 40,000 athletes from around the world annually, and draws more than 15,000 from Chicago alone. These numbers are on a dramatic incline from years past. Just a few short years ago, the marathon hosted 20,000 participants. Currently, these numbers have doubled and registration comes to a close earlier each year. The new trail will help accommodate this new trend amongst Chicagoans, and allow runners to utilize the city's lakefront.

The city is grateful for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon's dedication to this project. Chicago Parks Chief Tim Mitchell proclaims, "On behalf of the City, I thank The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon for their commitment to fitness and helping to improve running paths along our treasured lakefront."