Posted: July 24, 2004

Athletics: American Masters Record Holder Jenny Spangler Returns

Spangler to Compete in LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon this October

CHICAGO - (July 23, 2004) - Jenny Spangler, the American Masters marathon record holder, and Lake Villa, Ill. resident, is set to run The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Spangler's career was rejuvenated at last year's Chicago Marathon when she set the U.S. Masters (40 and over) marathon record with a time of 2:32:39.

Spangler is in the midst of her preparation for the 2004 Marathon. Her goals include running a sub-2:30:00 marathon and breaking her current American Masters record. "It is definitely a special feeling to be running Chicago," said Spangler. "To know you are competing in one of the greatest marathons in the world is truly gratifying."

Spangler has been setting records for more than twenty years. It was 1983 when the 19-year-old rising star set the U.S. junior marathon best with a time of 2:33:52 at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minn. In 1996, she upset the field to win the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in 2:29:54, her personal record. In addition to setting the U.S. Masters record in 2003, she had four first place feats including the Chicago 10K Race, the Galloping Ghost 5K, the Universal Sole She's Got Soul 8K and the Elgin Valley Fox Trot 10 Mile Race.

Though Spangler has had a great deal of success, it has not been without challenges, trials and tribulations.

One of her biggest misfortunes occurred at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, when she was forced to drop out of the marathon due to injury. This came as a devastating loss to Spangler, given the fact that she had placed first in the Olympic Trials that year. Another setback to Spangler's running career struck at the 2000 Olympic Trials, when she was unable to compete because of an injury. Despite these obstacles, Spangler has persevered and proven her tremendous running capabilities.

"We are very excited to have Jenny at the Chicago Marathon this year," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "She has overcome so many setbacks and has become an inspiration to Chicagoans and to the running community. Jenny has a strong following and we expect thousands to be cheering her on at this year's marathon."

Spangler has managed to balance her running career with her number one priority, her family. She lives in Lake Villa with her husband and trainer, Miki Tosic, their 2-1/2-year-old daughter, Kelli, and 16-year-old step-daughter, Kristina.

About The 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. Elite athletes will compete for a portion of the $650,000 prize purse, the highest in the sport.

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.

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.