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 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