FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marianne Caponi
(312) 904-9816
The LaSalle Bank's Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago Distance Classic
and Chicago Marathon Running Series Offer New Team Competition
CHICAGO - (February 22, 2006) - With the recent addition of The LaSalle Bank
Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon, LaSalle Bank now hosts a three-event
Chicago running series spanning from April to October. The LaSalle Bank
Shamrock Shuffle 8K, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon
and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon together offer a series of competitive
running events and, in conjunction, are now launching The LaSalle Bank
Chicago Challenge, a team competition connecting the three largest running
events in the city.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge offers competitive and recreational
runners the opportunity to form teams which will compete not only in each
race, but in the overall series. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge consists
of two divisions: The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Cup for highly
competitive runners and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Shield for more
recreational runners.
"Starting with the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle in April, runners will now
have the opportunity to complete a full circuit of races all in accordance
with the Marathon training schedule," said LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "With the addition of the LaSalle
Bank Chicago Challenge, we are breaking ground in the field of competitive
team running and offering, for the first time, the opportunity to compete
regardless of age, gender or running level."
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Cup
Highly competitive runners may form teams consisting of all-male, all-female
or co-ed members and register in one of six categories: Male, Female, Co-Ed,
Master Male, Master Female or Master Co-Ed (Master fields are open to
athletes age 40 years and older). Individual runners will receive points
based on overall finish in each race with the top finishers receiving lower
point totals than later finishers. The teams in each category with the
lowest number of points will be announced the winner. Awards will be given
to the top team in each of the six categories at the conclusion of each road
race - the 8K, half-marathon and marathon. On Marathon Day, October 22, one
additional award will be given to the top team in the division based on
their compiled scores from all three races. To qualify, teams must register
a minimum of five members and a maximum of 12 with at least five
participants competing in each event.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Shield
Running teams may register in one of three categories: Male, Female or
Co-Ed. Individual runners will receive points based on finishes within age
and gender groups. The team in each category with the lowest number of
points will be announced the winner. Awards will be given to the top team in
each of the three categories at the conclusion of each road race - the 8K,
half marathon and marathon. On Marathon Day, October 22, one additional
award will be given to the top team in the division based on their compiled
scores from all three races. To qualify, each team must register a minimum
of four members and a maximum of 12 with at least four participants
competing in each race.
There is no additional fee for entering the LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge
and runners are not required to compete in all three races. However, in
order for a team to receive series accolades, it must have the minimum
required number of representatives in each of the three competitions to
qualify.
The series will start with The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday,
April 2. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon will be
held on Sunday, August 13 and the pinnacle of the running season, The
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, will take place on Sunday, October 22.
Information on all events and registration is available at
www.LaSalleBankSports.com or call (312) 904-9814.
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