BRITISH SUPERSTAR PAULA RADCLIFFE
TO RUN THE LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON
June
6, 2002
Chicago (June 6, 2002) - Two months after recording the second fastest
women's marathon time ever, Paula Radcliffe has committed to The 2002
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, it was announced today by Carey Pinkowski,
executive race director. The 25th Anniversary of The LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon takes place October 13.
"I have been a big fan of Paula Radcliffe for a long time," said
Pinkowski. "Watching her 2:18:56 debut marathon at The London Marathon
this past April was one of the greatest displays of running I have ever
witnessed. I think everyone agrees that Radcliffe will go much faster in
her second marathon and believe me, I am truly glad that will be in
Chicago!"
Radcliffe, 28, from Northwich, Cheshire, has undoubtedly established
herself as Britain's top female distance runner and one of the best
competitors in the world. Earlier this year she won her second
consecutive World Cross Country title in Ireland. The British superstar
is also the two-time defending World Half-Marathon champion, one of the
world's top 10,000m runners, and a favorite for the 2004 Athens Olympic
Marathon. In her long awaited marathon debut in London this spring,
Radcliffe ran away from a strong field, winning easily in 2:18:56 - only
nine seconds short of Catherine Ndereba's World Record set at The 2001
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. The fact that Radcliffe ran the last 15
miles of the race alone made the accomplishment even more impressive.
"I am delighted to make my first appearance in The LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon," said Radcliffe. "Chicago has a worldwide reputation for its
great venue, course and crowd support and I look forward to experiencing
all three."
Elite athletes will compete for an event record purse of $500,000. The
male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest ever payout
for first place in a marathon. The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
begins Sunday, October 13 at 7:30 a.m., starting and finishing in
Chicago's Grant Park. The race will be televised live on NBC5 and
broadcast on Chicago's ESPN Radio 1000 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The
2002 race is expected to draw up to the registration cap of 37,500
participants.
The Marathon is open to all runners who can complete the course in less
than six hours. For information call toll-free 1-888-243-3344 (U.S. and
Canada) or (312) 904-9800. Registration is $80 ($90 for international
participants) and can be completed online by visiting
www.chicagomarathon.com. Mail-in entries will be accepted until September
9, 2002. Runners registering online earn a $5 discount and have a
September 16, 2002 deadline or until the registration cap is reached,
whichever comes first. There will be no race weekend registration.
Coaches and
Race Directors:
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