CHICAGO MARATHON REGISTRATION CLOSED
40,000 Registration Cap Reached in Record Time
Limited Entries Available through Marathon Charity Organizations
Chicago (August 22, 2003) - Registration for The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon is now closed. The cap of 40,000 participants was reached
yesterday. Limited entries may be available through charity organizations
associated with the Marathon. A complete list of these organizations is
available on the event's Web site.
"We have reached our registration cap in record time this year," remarked
Event Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer for LaSalle Bank, Mark A.
Nystuen. "This is a testament to the quality of the event and to how
mainstream the sport of running has become. We are delighted to bring this
event to the 40,000 participants and to the one million spectators who
rally the runners race day."
Participation in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has increased
dramatically since 1996 when only 10,925 registered. With 40,000 registered
for the 2003 race, this year's Marathon has the potential to be the largest
road race ever, which will be based on the number of participants who
actually complete the 26.2-mile race. The cap was increased this year from
37,500, which was the set cap for the past two years. "From our modest
beginnings in 1977 with just 4,200 runners to our present popularity, The
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has made history, established traditions and
helped dreams become a reality," remarked Executive Race Director Carey
Pinkowski. "We will carry on our prestigious legacy and continue to add
pages to the record books this year."
Elite athletes will compete this fall for the highest marathon purse ever,
$550,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest
first place payout in the sport. The 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
begins Sunday, October 12 at 8 a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's
Grant Park. CBS 2 CHICAGO is the official broadcast partner of The LaSalle
Bank Chicago Marathon and will cover the race live from 6 to 11:30 a.m.
raceday.
# # #
|
