Posted: October 8, 2004

Athletics: Chicago Reflects On Marathon Success

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

CHICAGO (07-Oct) -- The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon kicked off its final media push today with the first of two formal pre-race press conferences. As is the tradition here, Mayor Richard Daley joined LaSalle Banks CEO Norm Bobins and Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski to reflect on the tremendous growth of the race and the growing embrace it receives from this midwestern city.

"For me, this started in 1990," said Pinkowski. He added that "across the board support from Mayor Daley" had made the growth of the race to some 40,000 entrants this year possible (the race had about 32,000 finishers in 2003).

"It was just ten years ago we hosted only 7,000 runners," said a smiling Bobins, who Pinkowski referred to as "my boss." He added that the race had become "a unique showcase for our hometown" and "we anticipate 1.25 million spectators along the course."

Bobins also took the time to thank New Balance, a key sponsor, joking, "I'd be wearing the shoes but they didn't go with the suit."

Mayor Daley chimed in, saying the race is "most importantly, a celebration of the city. It's really important." He said that the race had an $84 million economic impact on the city. "Economically, it's really important," he said.

More compliments flowed from two-time champion, Joyce Chepchumba of Kenya. "Here in Chicago I feel I am home," she said with characteristic Kenyan politeness.

But it was Khalid Khannouchi, the four-time race winner whose career was made here. "I really don't have words to explain my joy of being in Chicago," said the former world record holder.

Khannouchi will be running his first marathon in two years on Sunday. Injuries to his foot, ankle and knee nearly ended his career and filled him with dread and self doubt. He stated that he was in good shape and ready to compete.

"I'm banged up, but I'm here," he said.

Khannouchi, who has a four year deal to run Chicago three more years after this one, thanked LaSalle Bank for extending his contract, then turned his comments to the race on Sunday.

"Everyone is talking about world records and fast times," he said. "That's the tradition of Chicago."