FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marianne Caponi
(312) 904-9816
LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON SETS RECORD PACE:
REGISTRATION HITS 30,000, EXPECTED TO CLOSE AT 40,000 SOON
CHICAGO (May 16, 2006) – The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon now has
30,000 participants registered and is expected to hit its capacity of
40,000 runners in record time. At its current rate, registration will close
during the first week of June, more than a month in advance of the mark set
in 2005. Last year, registration officially closed at 40,000 participants
on July 14.
According to Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski, "This increase in
advance registration clearly illustrates the popularity and the value the
running community sees in being part of the Chicago Marathon experience --
the demand and response has been humbling and gratifying. In its first
year, the Chicago Marathon hosted just over 4,000 runners. We now register
a field of 40,000, attract 1.5 million spectators, raise more than $6
million for 60 charities and assemble a world-class elite field that will
chase not only our $650,000 prize purse, but the $1 million offering from
the inaugural series of the World Marathon Majors. This is an extremely
exciting time for our sport and we are eagerly anticipating our 29th run on
October 22."
Runners interested in participating in The 29th LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon are encouraged to submit their online applications as soon as
possible. Registration for the event will close once 40,000 participants
are registered. Registration can be completed at www.chicagomarathon.com.
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place Sunday, October 22,
starting and finishing in Chicago’s historic Grant Park. The Race will be
broadcast live on CBS 2 CHICAGO and WSCR-AM The Score 670.
Elite athletes will compete for a portion of the highest prize purse in the
sport ($650,000), while also competing in the World Marathon Majors, a
series of the five most prestigious marathons in the world. The complete
field of 40,000 athletes will represent all 50 states and more than 122
countries.
Runners may still register online at chicagomarathon.com until the
participation cap of 40,000 has been reached. 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.
For more information on The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon visit
www.chicagomarathon.com or call (312) 904-9800.
# # #
|
