FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COUNTING DOWN TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON:
30 INSPIRING STORIES IN 30 DAYS
From overcoming adversity, to remembering a loved one, to running while
juggling, new runner stories released daily between now and race day
aims to ignite and unite the city
September 7, 2007, CHICAGO – Celebrating 30 years of inspiring stories,
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is kicking off its 30-day countdown to
race day by introducing a new series of stories featuring runners
competing in this year's Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007.
The series, which launches today, is comprised of 30 runners who each
have their own compelling story of determination driving their
commitment to run this year's 26.2-mile race. New stories will be posted
daily on the recently revamped LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon website,
www.chicagomarathon.com, as well as released to media outlets.
"The transformation of the city that takes place between now and race
day is remarkable," said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of The
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. "We are busy preparing for race day and
the masses that will line the streets looking to feed off of the energy
that exudes from the runners. This series allows us to share that
passion, dedication and enthusiasm with the entire world, further
expanding the ripple effect of energy that is generated from the
Marathon."
Country music singer Jo Dee Messina kicks off the series today with her
story about training for the Marathon while on tour. She will also be
kicking off race day festivities by singing the national anthem at the
start line. A perfect representative of the type of character needed to
take on the challenges of the marathon, Messina will bring the same
spirit, determination and tenacity to the race course as she has to her
music career.
Other runners featured in this series include: Iraq veterans and
soldiers currently in service, the editor-in-chief of Runner's World, an
Olympic hopeful, a creative fundraising couple soliciting sponsors for
each step they take toward the finish line, a man celebrating his 30th
wedding anniversary, a woman given just hours to live who is now raising
money for her charity, a man who never trains, but runs wearing wacky
costumes and a woman from Amsterdam who found a home among a Chicago
running group. Although each story is unique, they share the same sense
of passion for the challenges of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
The series also launches the preparation of the city for the massive
race that will welcome 45,000 runners and an estimated 1.5 million
spectators to its urban course. Over the course of the next several
weeks, visible alterations to the cityscape will begin to transform
including the installation of street pole banners, CTA buses wrapped in
Marathon messaging and the launch of an ad campaign asking Chicagoans
where they will be on race day. Street teams will begin appearing today,
energizing and igniting commuters, residents and visitors as they run
through the city, host marathon-style water stations and construct
finish lines throughout the city.
For more information on the race, its runners and its plans to transform
the city, visit www.chicagomarathon.com.
###
|
