Posted: January 9, 2006

Athletics: LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K Open Registration

Two Chicago road race institutions - The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K - have opened registration for 2006.

The world-famous and ultra-fast LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will celebrate its 29th edition on Sunday, October 22. The pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike, the Marathon is the focal point of Race weekend. An estimated 1.5 million spectators will line the 26.2-mile course, cheering on the runners to help them accomplish their personal dreams.

This coming year also marks the 27th annual LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, the world's largest 8K race (4.97 miles). The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is set to take place on Sunday, April 2 in Grant Park. Several world class athletes and 25,000 local participants will compete for bragging rights in this favorite spring running tradition, which kicks the running season into high gear.

Registration for both events opened January 1, 2006. Registration for the Marathon costs $90 for U.S. participants and $100 for international participants. Register online at ChicagoMarathon.com or mail in your registration form, which is also available online.

For the third year in a row, there will be a 40,000 participant cap for The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, and registration will close once the cap has been reached. For the 2005 race, the registration cap was reached in mid-July. For more information about The LaSalle Chicago Marathon, call (312) 904-9800.

In addition to the Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the 5K Fitness Walk will also take place on Sunday, April 2. The 5K Fitness Walk is a non-competitive, un-timed walk beginning and ending in Grant Park. Registration for the 8K Race and the 5K Fitness Walk is $35. Register online at ShamrockShuffle.com or mail in your registration form, which is also available online. For more information about The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, call (312) 904-9814

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.