LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON SET TO RUN ON OCTOBER 7

    Participants Asked to Provide Assistance To The American Red Cross

Chicago (September 19, 2001) Despite recent tragic events in our nation,
The 2001 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place, starting on Sunday,
October 7 at 7:30 a.m. in Grant Park. A record 37,500 runners and more than
900,000 spectators are expected to participate in one of Chicago?s favorite
annual traditions.

"We extend our sympathy to the friends and family of those who perished in
this disaster and we send heartfelt thanks to the many heroes working
tirelessly to help those in need," said Mark A. Nystuen, group senior vice
president and chief administrative officer of LaSalle Bank and event
chairman of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. "The triumph of our nation
over this adversity will be, I believe, beautifully reflected in the spirit
and resolve of our many runners on Race Day."

"The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon represents another way to return to our
normal lives during this unthinkable time in our history.  People have
trained long and hard to be a part of this, which demonstrates the resolve
of the human spirit," stated Jim Law, executive director of the Mayor's
Office of Special Events.  "As always, the safety of runners, volunteers
and spectators will be our first priority."

LaSalle Bank has established a way for people to help the families and
victims of our nation?s tragedy by making a donation to the American Red
Cross. Contributions for the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief
Fund are being accepted at all LaSalle Bank locations and at the Health &
Fitness Expo during Race Weekend. Donors at the Expo will receive a red,
white and blue ribbon to wear on race day to remember the victims and
support those who serve and protect our nation. Financial contributions
also can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling
1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or sent to the American Red
Cross, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 1907, Chicago, IL 60675-1907. Internet
users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting
www.chicagoredcross.org.

"As Red Cross volunteers strive to provide comfort and relief to the scores
of people impacted by the tragic events of September 11th, we are
extraordinarily grateful to LaSalle Bank for helping to assure that the Red
Cross will be there each step of the way." said William L. Braden, chief
executive officer, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago.  "The Red Cross
has made an enduring promise to the American people that we will be there
in their time of need, whenever and wherever disasters occur. Thanks to
LaSalle Bank, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and the men and women
running in support of the relief effort, we will keep that promise."

The 2001 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will be televised live on NBC5
Chicago from 7 a.m. ? 10:30 a.m. and broadcast on Chicago's ESPN Radio 1000
from 6:30 a.m. ? 11:30 a.m.

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