Posted: August 16, 2004

Athletics: Chicago Half Marathon Announces Human Spirit Award

CHICAGO - (August 15, 2004) - 9,000 runners from throughout Chicago's diverse ethnic neighborhoods and suburbs are gearing up to run in the 8th Chicago Half Marathon Sunday, September 19, along scenic south Lake Shore Drive with a start/finish line at the Museum of Science and Industry. Ranked as one of the Top 10 half marathons in the country, and this year exceeding all records for entries, the Chicago Half Marathon will award Devine Racing's newly created Human Spirit Award.

Devine Racing's unique Human Spirit Award recognizes individual triumphs over adversity, illustrates each runner's passion for the sport and highlights personal stories that inspire others. Criteria for judging potential recipients will include that s/he meet the following:

1) Exemplify outstanding character, can-do spirit and perseverance
2) Overcome significant obstacles, setbacks (personal; physical) to achieve completion of the half-marathon
3) Be elected for consideration by at least 2 people outside of immediate family
4) Exhibit traits that will be inspiring, motivating and captivating

"Running is a very personal experience and something that is very near and dear to my heart," said Chris Devine, Devine Race Chairman. "There are so many wonderful stories of human triumph. We are involved with numerous marathons throughout the United States, and launched the Human Spirit Award in our recent inaugural marathon in Salt Lake City. We continue the tradition here with the Chicago Half, and will expand to include all our other marathon involvement around the country."

Everyone registered to run is eligible. Candidates will be judged by a panel from the Chicago Half Marathon and Devine Racing.

"The Human Spirit Award will be given to the athlete who best conveys the spirit of the Chicago Half Marathon," stated Susan Nicholl, race director for the Chicago Half Marathon. "Our race is unique in that it truly reflects the diversity and variety that is Chicago. We put a human face on each runner - all of whom run for a different reason and with a different passion. Three people will be selected as finalists; one will be selected as the Human Spirit Recipient for 2004. The timing and momentum we've created this year makes it the ideal time to add this to our Chicago Half Marathon package. These runners are all winners and all unique - they reflect what our Half Marathon is all about."

Deadline for entries is September 10. To submit stories via email, please address to thehalfmarathon@aol.com.

For further information about the Chicago Half Marathon, visit www.chicagohalfmarathon.com or contact (312) 347-0233.