CHICAGO (March 16, 2005)--The 22,500-participant cap has been reached and registration for The 2005 LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is now closed.

The 26th Annual LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, the world's largest 8K race (4.97 miles), is set to take place Sunday, April 3 in Grant Park. Several world-class athletes and 22,500 Chicagoans, including four-time LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon winner Khalid Khannouchi, the women's Olympic Marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor and returning champions Brian Sell and Tatyana Chulakh will compete for bragging rights in this favorite spring running tradition which kicks the running season into high gear.

"The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is definitely growing out of its local Chicago identity. The level of interest nationally and internationally indicates that it has a great future. The quality of the athletes that are scheduled to compete are the best in the events history," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "I think the Shamrock Shuffle is growing out of the shadow of its sister event The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. People in Chicago will be able to enjoy a great celebration of running and some world class competition in Chicago on April 3rd."

The Health & Fitness Expo, located at Navy Pier Festival Hall B, will be held on Friday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The weekend will include more than 150 exhibitors featuring the newest designs in running gear and shoes, as well as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition.

Poi Dog Pondering will also be performing for their second consecutive Post-Race Party. The LaSalle Bank Post-Race Party is free of charge to all 8K Race and 5K Walk participants and one guest. Poi Dog performed for thousands last year. This year's Post-Race Party will take place outdoors on Sunday, April 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Grant Park around Buckingham Fountain.

The 2005 LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is set to take place Sunday, April 3 in Grant Park. The 8K race starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the 5K walk at 10 a.m. Both events start and finish in Grant Park.

Packet Pick-Up will take place at the Health & Fitness Expo located at Navy Pier Festival Hall B on Friday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the Health & Fitness Expo is free.

There will be NO Race Weekend Registration and NO Race Day Packet Pick-up for the 8K or 5K Fitness Walk.

For more information on The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, visit shamrockshuffle.com or call 312/904-9814.

** Don't Forget Daylight Savings Time**