Athletics: Rutto, Koech Return for the 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

Rutto Signs 2-Year Agreement to Compete in Chicago

CHICAGO - (April 6, 2004) - Evans Rutto performed in last year's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon as if he was ready to claim the streets of Chicago from veteran marathoner Khalid Khannouchi. Rutto will look to improve on his world record marathon debut time of 2:05:50 in the 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

Rutto and race officials reached agreement that will bring the 25-year-old Kenyan back to run the streets of Chicago and to chase the marathon world record at the 2004 and 2005 Chicago marathons. Rutto experienced such strong support and encouragement from the spectators that lined the 26.2-mile course that he is eager to defend his title.

"Last year I was overwhelmed by the support of the people of Chicago and very much enjoyed the beautiful city and the fast course," said Rutto. "All of these things encourage me to be at the starting line again this year and I am more than happy to return to Chicago to defend my title. Having achieved great results last year in my debut marathon has inspired me to work hard to keep this tradition alive."

Rutto was an underdog coming into last year's marathon. His longest distance prior to his debut was the half-marathon. But Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski, who has a long track-record for discovering and developing athletes, saw amazing potential in Rutto and convinced him to make his marathon debut in the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon last year.

"Evans' victory in the 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon follows in the tradition of other great Chicago Champions, Steve Jones, Ondoro Osoro and Khalid Khannouchi," commented Pinkowski. "These athletes converted great track credentials and pure athletic ability into world leading performances in the marathon. Evans just scratched the surface of the marathon in 2003."

Pinkowski feels Rutto could challenge the world record, especially with the new design of the 26.2-mile route. "He ran well within himself, defeated a strong field, and made the marathon distance look easy last year. I believe he could have gone a minute faster if he needed too. His 2:05:50 effort illustrates that the redesigned LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon route is designed to host a world record attempt on October 10 this year."

Rutto ran the eight fastest 10,000m in the world in June 2000 (27:31:32), setting a personal record. He continued his outstanding performance at the 2001 Peoples Beach to Beacon 10K where he surged ahead of the lead group near the finish to win in 28:30, ahead of James Koskei (28:32) and defending champion Joseph Kimani (28:35). Rutto also won the 2001 Wharf to Wharf 6 mile and finished second in the Clarksburg 10K. He took third in the 2001 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile (46:26) and the Lisbon Half-Marathon (1:01:30). He also ran well in 2003.

Also returning to compete in the 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is second-place finisher and fellow Kenyan Paul Koech. Koech, 34, who also made his marathon debut at last year's race finished just over a minute behind Rutto with a 2:07:07 performance, Koech has had a successful career and he will look to improve on his debut time in this year's race.

Early in Paul Koech's career, he won a bronze medal at the 1995 All-African Games 10,000m. His career continued to excel, and in 1997, he set a personal best in the 3000m at the IAAF Grand Prix in Monaco and a personal best in the 10,000m at the IASF Grand Prix in Brussels. He went on to win the Dam to Dam 10 miles in 44:46 (the fastest 10 mile ever). In 1998, he won the World Half-Marathon title in 1:00:01, achieving a personal best for 13.1 miles. Koech's prestigious record continues. He took first in the 2002 Kenyan Armed Forces 12K Cross Country Championships. He finished third at the 2002 Crescent City 10K and won the Military Cross Country Championships in Rwanda. This past July, Koech finished fourth at the Utica Boilermaker 15K and second at the Falmouth 7.1-Miler.

"Paul is another very talented athlete who has potential to be one of best in the business. As fellow Kenyans, Paul and Evans have a friendly rivalry that will certainly make this year's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon very exciting. Since Evans and Paul both now have marathon experience, I look for even stronger performances from both of them at this year's race," added Pinkowski.

About The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday, October 10 starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. The race will be broadcast live on CBS 2 CHICAGO and ESPN 1000. Last year's race attracted the maximum 40,000 participants.

Runners may register online at www.chicagomarathon.com until September 2, 2004, or when the participation capacity has been reached (whichever comes first). Race weekend entries will not be accepted. Printed entry forms for mail-in registration will be available in the spring of this year.

The entrance fee for the Marathon is $80 for U.S. runners and $90 for international runners; the registration fee for the International Fun Run 5K, held during race weekend, is $15 for both U.S. and international participants. Senior citizens, ages 60 and older, receive a $5 discount. In addition, a $5 discount will be offered to participants who register using their MasterCard credit card or pre-paid card.

Runners interested in securing Competitive or Preferred Starting Positions must have completed a marathon or half-marathon since January 1, 2002 in a time faster than 3:15:00 for a Competitive Start (marathon qualifying time) and 3:45:00 (marathon qualifying time) for a Preferred Start. A half-marathon time of 1:30:00 is needed for a Competitive Start and a half-marathon time of 1:45:00 is needed for a Preferred Start. Proof of qualifying times must be submitted to The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon office. Instructions will be provided to online entrants. Competitive and Preferred Starting Positions are limited and not guaranteed.