FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: T. Hauser
(312) 904-4687 – Office
(312) 907-2863 – Cell
(312) 904-6521 – FAX
THE LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON GENERATES $6.3 MILLION FOR CHARITIES
25% Growth in Charitable Contributions Encouraging for 2006 Event
CHICAGO (January 19, 2006) – Throughout its 28-year history, The LaSalle
Bank Chicago Marathon has generated some of the most memorable moments in
the sport of marathon racing including American and world record-breaking
performances. It also has evolved into a vital vehicle for local, national
and international charities to raise money for their respective causes.
In 2005, 3,000 Marathon participants raised $6.3 million for charities, an
increase from the 2,500 runners that raised $4.7 million in 2004. These
funds directly support research and advocacy on behalf of children and
adults with life-threatening diseases and impairments, as well as those
that are living in poverty and in need of disaster relief.
"Each year I am amazed to see the steady increase in the money raised for
charities and the overall number of participating charities," commented
Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
event has proven to be a perfect match for individuals, communities and
charities to raise money and build hope for the causes they support."
Also in 2005, thousands of LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon participants “Made
it More Meaningful” by running to raise support for 43 local, national and
international charity organizations. For the first year, the Ronald
McDonald House began sponsoring Charity Village, a special area where the
charity runners and their supporters could gather before and after the
marathon.
There were three official charities for this year’s race, which included:
American Cancer Society ($650,000), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TEAM in
Training ($2.3 million) and National AIDS Marathon Training Program ($1.1
million). In addition to the three official charities, there were four
charity partners, 14 participating charities and 19 associated charities,
all of whom contributed to the tremendous $6.3 million.
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday, October 22
starting and finishing in Chicago’s Grant Park. The Race will be broadcast
live on CBS 2 CHICAGO.
Last year’s race attracted the maximum 40,000 participants. Elite athletes
will compete for a portion of the $650,000 prize purse, the highest in the
sport. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon draws world-class athletes and
participants from all 50 states and from more than 120 countries around the
globe.
Runners may register online at chicagomarathon.com until the participation
cap of 40,000 has been reached (last year the registration cap was reached
in mid-July). Race weekend entries will not be accepted. The entrance fee
for the Marathon is $90 for U.S. runners and $100 for international
runners.
The Health & Fitness Expo will take place Friday, October 20 and Saturday,
October 21, 2006 at McCormick Place. The weekend will include more than 150
exhibitors featuring the newest designs in running gear and shoes, as well
as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition. The Health &
Fitness is free and open to the public.
For more information on The LaSalle Chicago Marathon visit
chicagomarathon.com or call 312/904-9800 and for additional information
about other LaSalle Bank sponsored sporting events, visit
lasallebanksports.com.
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