THE LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON REACHES REGISTRATION CAP

September 3, 2002

Registration is now closed for the October 13 race

Chicago (September 3, 2002) The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon ? celebrating its 25th Anniversary - has reached its registration cap of 37,500, matching last year's record totals. Registration is now closed for the October 13 race. In 2001, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon established a registration cap of 37,500 to ensure from both an operational and planning standpoint, a race that will offer a safe and enjoyable experience for runners and spectators.

"We are thrilled with the registration numbers for our 25th Anniversary," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. "From it's modest beginnings in 1977 with just 4,200 runners to its present popularity with 37,500 participants, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has made history, traditions and dreams become a reality. The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will carry on its prestigious legacy, continuing to add pages to the record books."

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 phenomenal growth of the field, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is now one of Chicago's favorite annual traditions with nearly a million spectators lining the 26.2 mile race course in 2001.

The growth in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon economic impact is equally impressive, delivering a powerful $90 million boost to Chicago's economy in 2001, according to figures provided by the Regional Economic Application Laboratory. From 1996 to 2001, the Marathon's impact has grown three-fold from $29.6 million to $90 million.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has a reputation as one of the world's fastest courses. Last year Catherine Ndereba set a new World Record of 2:18:47, while Olympian Joan Benoit Samuelson set the still-standing women's American record of 2:21:21 on Chicago's streets in 1985. In its 24-year history Chicago also has held two men's World Records (1984 Steve Jones ? 2:08:05, 1999 Khalid Khannouchi ? 2:05:42).

Elite athletes will compete this fall 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 AM1000 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

- RACE WEEKEND MEDIA INFORMATION
Please Note New Event for 2002
***25th Anniversary Celebration Press Conference on October 11***

Race Weekend Media Center
The Chicago Hilton, Boulevard Room (2nd Floor), 720 South Michigan Avenue
Thursday October 10, 2002 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday October 11, 2002 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday October 12, 2002 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday October 13, 2002 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, October 10, 2002
Noon Press Conference ? Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Kickoff Press Conference (Past Champions and other notable elite athletes will be present along with Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski.)
11a.m. - 5 p.m. Media Center Open ? Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room

Friday, October 11, 2002
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Media Center Open ? Hilton Chicago Boulevard Room
10:30 Press Conference - Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room ***25th Anniversary Celebration Press Conference***
(All elite athletes, several past champions, and Alumni Runners who have run each Chicago Marathon will be present along with Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski)
Noon - 7 p.m. Elite Athlete Interviews - Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room

(Interview Schedule To Be Announced) Saturday, October 12, 2002

7:30 a.m. Marathon Course Tour - Meet at the Hilton Chicago (2-hour tour)
9 a.m. American Airlines International Fun Run 5K, Grant Park Columbus Drive and Roosevelt Road; Elite athletes will attend.
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Media Center Open ? Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room Elite Athlete Interviews (Interview Schedule To Be Announced)

Sunday, October 13, 2002 RACE DAY
6 a.m. Media Center Open (Breakfast and Lunch will be served)

10:45 a.m. Post-Race Press Conference - Hilton Chicago, Boulevard Room

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