Athletics: The 25th Anniversary Lasalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle Set For Sunday, March 28

More than 20,000 to run with Olympians and former champions attempting four-peat runs - Poi Dog Pondering to Play at Post-Race Party

The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is the largest 8K (4.97mile) race in the world. The official kickoff event of the Chicago running season features a mix of local runners and world-class athletes. Participants this year include two former champions who will compete to be unprecedented four-time winners along with U.S. Olympians. The event includes the 8K race, a 5K fitness walk, a quarter-mile kids shuffle and a two-day Health & Fitness Expo.

Poi Dog Pondering will perform at the free Post-Race Party that immediately follows the 8K race. The Post-Race Party will take place under a tent from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Grant Park (on the east side of Columbus Drive on Balbo). The Post-Race Party is open for all registered participants and one guest per registered runner.

More than 20,000 runners, including elite athletes, Olympians and thousands of Chicagoans of all ages and various skills levels.

Notable men include:
• Shaun Creighton . Defending Champion and two-time Olympian (1996 and 2000) from Australia is in position to be the first-ever to four-peat in the event.s 25-year history.
• HANSONS Distance Running Project . Group of top Michigan runners training for future Olympic competition, including Trent Briney and Clint Verran, two U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials alternates.

Notable women include:
• Collette Liss . Three-time Champion is in place to be the first female four-time champion.
• Jenny Spangler . Local runner from Gurnee, Ill., Olympian and course record holder.
• Kathy Butler . 2001 LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle Champion.

For more information visit the reace website at: www.shamrockshuffle.com