Press Release - Chicago Marathon - 5/26/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                    Contact: Marianne Caponi
                                             (312) 904-9816
                                             
                                     

          LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON CLOSES REGISTRATION:
          RACE REACHES 40,000 PARTICIPANT CAP IN RECORD TIME
    Limited Number of Entries Available Through Affiliated Charities


CHICAGO (May 26, 2006) – The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon reached its 
40,000 participant cap today and has officially closed registration sooner 
than ever – nearly five months in advance of the October 22 Race. A limited 
number of entries are still available to runners through the 60 charities 
affiliated with the 2006 Marathon. International runners can access a 
limited number of entries through several tour partners. Registration for 
this year’s event closed two months earlier than it did for last year’s 
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

"Since we announced we hit the 30,000 mark 10 days ago we have received a 
significant surge in registration numbers and are again humbled by the 
overwhelming demand to participate in our Race," commented Executive Race 
Director Carey Pinkowski. "As with every year, there are those who are 
unable to register and we encourage those individuals to contact one of our 
charities or our affiliated tour groups who still have a limited number of 
available entries."

Runners who missed the deadline and are still interested in registering for 
The 29th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon may do so only by signing on with 
one of the Race’s 60 charity partners. International participants may 
register through one of several affiliated tour groups. Information on 
entries available through these organizations is available through the 
Marathon website www.chicagomarathon.com.

Since its inception in 1977 with 4,200 registered participants, The LaSalle 
Bank Chicago Marathon has grown to a field of 40,000 runners attracting 1.5 
million spectators and generating more than $6.3 million for charity in 
2005.

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.

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.



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