Press Release - Chicago Marathon - 1/9/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                     

                        LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, 
             LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K Open Registration  


Two Chicago road race institutions - The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and 
LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K - have opened registration for 2006.

The world-famous and ultra-fast LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will 
celebrate its 29th edition on Sunday, October 22. The pinnacle of 
achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike, the Marathon is 
the focal point of Race weekend. An estimated 1.5 million spectators will 
line the 26.2-mile course, cheering on the runners to help them accomplish 
their personal dreams.

This coming year also marks the 27th annual LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, 
the world's largest 8K race (4.97 miles). The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 
is set to take place on Sunday, April 2 in Grant Park. Several world class 
athletes and 25,000 local participants will compete for bragging rights in 
this favorite spring running tradition, which kicks the running season into 
high gear.

Registration for both events opened January 1, 2006. Registration for the 
Marathon costs $90 for U.S. participants and $100 for international 
participants. Register online at www.ChicagoMarathon.com or mail in your 
registration form, which is also available online.

For the third year in a row, there will be a 40,000 participant cap for The 
2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, and registration will close once the 
cap has been reached. For the 2005 race, the registration cap was reached 
in mid-July. For more information about The LaSalle Chicago Marathon, call 
(312) 904-9800.

In addition to the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the 5K Fitness Walk will also take 
place on Sunday, April 2. The 5K Fitness Walk is a non-competitive, 
un-timed walk beginning and ending in Grant Park. Registration for the 8K 
Race and the 5K Fitness Walk is $35. Register online at 
www.ShamrockShuffle.com or mail in your registration form, which is also 
available online. For more information about The LaSalle Bank Shamrock 
Shuffle 8K, call (312) 904-9814



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