Khalid Khannouchi to Start and Finish Season in Chicago

CHICAGO (February 24, 2005)--Four-time LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Champion Khalid Khannouchi will begin his 2005 season and marathon training in Chicago at this year's LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Khannouchi, who has dominated the streets of Chicago even before his world record run here in 1999, will make his first-ever appearance in The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K. His 2005 season will start in Chicago with the 8K run on Sunday, April 3 and will culminate with his seventh running of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9.

Khannouchi has his sights set on a big year in Chicago as he looks to improve upon last year's fifth-place Marathon finish. He announced earlier today he would not run in the 2005 London Marathon and that his only marathon this year would be Chicago. The energy and crowd support in Chicago have always motivated Khannouchi. And he feels that starting his training season with The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K coupled with the running of the Chicago marathon exclusively, will provide the foundation to achieve the success the world has come to expect.

"I was a guest of the Shamrock Shuffle last year and I look forward to competing in the traditional kick-off of the running season in Chicago this year," said Khannouchi. "Chicago has been so kind to me since I debuted here in 1997 and I am pleased to have the opportunity to run both races in 2005."

Khannouchi added, "My decision to withdraw from the London Marathon will enable me to focus on just one marathon in 2005. This will allow me to remain competitive among the strong field that is always assembled for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon."

To say that Khannouchi has dominated the streets of Chicago is an understatement. With four first-place feats, including a record-setting performance, Khannouchi's dominance is one of the great sports stories in Chicago.

"Khalid Khannouchi is undoubtedly one of, if not the, greatest distance runners of all time," remarked Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "His epic performances and dramatic finishes in Chicago are some of the greatest moments in marathon history. We are excited to have him back in the Marathon this year and are also very pleased that he will join us for The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K."

Khannouchi finished in fifth place last year. Although a disappointing result for him, he felt good that he completed the marathon after nearly 24 months of injuries and said he learned valuable lessons that will certainly help him in his preparation for this year's marathon.

How Khalid performs in the Marathon this year depends on his training and his health. But Chicagoans will get a sneak peek of their favorite marathoner when he returns home to run in The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K.

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. and the kids' race at 11 a.m. All events start and finish in Grant Park.

Pre-race weekend registration for all events is now available online at www.shamrockshuffle.com through Saturday, March 12. Early registration for the 8K race is only $30. Other events and fees include a 5K Fitness Walk for $20, and the Quarter-Mile Kids Shuffle for $10.

Following Saturday, March 12, fees cost $37 through Tuesday, March 22. Online registration will completely close at midnight on Tuesday, March 22 (or before a 22,500 cap is reached), and there will be no weekend or Race-Day registration for the 8K race and 5K walk.

Race packet pick-up and Race-Weekend registration 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 is no Race-Day packet pick-up or registration for the 8K race.

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