LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON REACHES REGISTRATION CAP OF 37,500

               Registration now closed for October 7th Race

Chicago (September 24, 2001) The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon - the
fastest growing marathon in the world ? has reached its registration cap of
37,500.  Registration is now closed for the October 7th race. The number of
entrants is a new record, breaking last year?s mark of 33,171 participants.
In 2001, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon established a registration cap
of 37,500 in order to achieve, from an operations and planning standpoint,
a safe and enjoyable race experience for both runners and spectators.

"We are thrilled with the registration numbers. This world-class event is
more than a race ? it's a celebration," said Carey Pinkowski, executive
race director.  "We could not have reached this level of participation
without the tremendous support from the City of Chicago, thousands of
volunteers, hundreds of thousands of spectators and our sponsors. We?re
looking forward to Race Weekend."

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is one of the premier races in the world.
>From 1996 to 2001, the number of registered runners grew more than
three-fold from 10,925 to 37,500. In addition to the amazing growth of the
field, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is now one of Chicago?s favorite
annual traditions with more than 900,000 spectators lining the race course
in 2000.

In order to enhance the experience for runners, spectators and race fans,
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has introduced Marathon Messenger in 2001
? a state-of-the-art messaging service with the capability to deliver
automated updates on runners' times and breaking news by phone, e-mail,
pager, or wireless device. To find out more information on Marathon
Messenger, visit www.chicagomarathon.com.

Chicago also has one of the world?s fastest courses. A men?s World Record
time of 2:05:42 was set in 1999, and an American Record of 2:07:01 was set
in 2000 by three-time winner Khalid Khannouchi.

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.

Marathon Participants Urged to Support The American Red Cross
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 can
also 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.

                            Race Weekend Events
Friday, October 5
Health & Fitness Expo/Packet Pick-Up - McCormick Place, North Building
     9 a.m. ? 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 6
Health & Fitness Expo/Packet Pick-Up - McCormick Place, North Building
     9 a.m. ? 6 p.m.
Packet Pick Up - McCormick Place, North Building                       9
a.m. ? 8 p.m.
International 5K Fun Run (3.1 miles) ? Grant Park
   9 a.m.
Dominick?s Pasta Dinner ? Hilton Chicago
6 p.m.

Sunday, October 7
Wheelchair Marathon (26.2 miles/42K) ? Grant Park
7:25 a.m.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles/42K) ? Grant Park
        7:30 a.m.
Dominick?s Smart Fitness Youth Run ? Grant Park (Finish Line)
                  8 a.m.
Sam Adams Post Race Party ? Navy Pier Grand Ballroom                      6
p.m. ? 11 p.m.


Editor's Notes:
?    Also attached is a credential request form for The 2001 LaSalle Bank
Chicago Marathon.
?    Please send in your media credential request to Tom Smithburg as soon
as possible.
?    You can find all our past press releases in the "Press Center" section
of www.chicagomarathon.com