Posted: February 23, 2006

Athletics: The Lasalle Bank's Shamrock Shuffle, Chicago Distance Classic And Chicago Marathon Running Series Offer New Team Competition

CHICAGO (February 23, 2006) – With the recent addition of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon, LaSalle Bank now hosts a three-event Chicago running series spanning from April to October. The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon together offer a series of competitive running events and, in conjunction, are now launching The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge, a team competition connecting the three largest running events in the city.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge offers competitive and recreational runners the opportunity to form teams which will compete not only in each race, but in the overall series. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge consists of two divisions: The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Cup for highly competitive runners and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Shield for more recreational runners.

"Starting with the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle in April, runners will now have the opportunity to complete a full circuit of races all in accordance with the Marathon training schedule," said LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "With the addition of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge, we are breaking ground in the field of competitive team running and offering, for the first time, the opportunity to compete regardless of age, gender or running level."

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Cup

Highly competitive runners may form teams consisting of all male, all female or co-ed members and register in one of six categories: Male, Female, Co-Ed, Master Male, Master Female or Master Co-Ed (Master fields are open to athletes age 40 years and older). Individual runners will receive points based on overall finish in each race with the top finishers receiving lower point totals than later finishers. The teams in each category with the lowest number of points will be announced the winner. Awards will be given to the top team in each of the six categories at the conclusion of each road race – the 8K, half marathon and marathon. On Marathon Day, October 22, one additional award will be given to the top team in the division based on their compiled scores from all three races. To qualify, teams must register a minimum of five members and a maximum of 12 with at least five participants competing in each event.

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge Shield

Running teams may register in one of three categories: Male, Female or Co-Ed. Individual runners will receive points based on finishes within age and gender groups. The team in each category with the lowest number of points will be announced the winner. Awards will be given to the top team in each of the three categories at the conclusion of each road race – the 8K, half marathon and marathon. On Marathon Day, October 22, one additional award will be given to the top team in the division based on their compiled scores from all three races. To qualify, each team must register a minimum of four members and a maximum of 12 with at least four participants competing in each race.

There is no additional fee for entering the LaSalle Bank Chicago Challenge and runners are not required to compete in all three races. However, in order for a team to receive series accolades, it must have the minimum required number of representatives in each of the three competitions to qualify.

The series will start with The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday, April 2. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, August 13, and the pinnacle of the running season, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, will take place on Sunday, October 22. Information on all events and registration is available at LaSalleBankSports.com.

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K

The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is set to take place Sunday, April 2 in Grant Park. The 8K race starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the 5K Fitness Walk at 10 a.m. Both events start and finish in Grant Park. Runners are cautioned to remember Daylight Savings Time.

Registration for both events is now available online at shamrockshuffle.com until the maximum 25,000 participants is reached. Registration fees for the 8K race or 5K walk is $35. There will be no Event Weekend registration and no Event Day packet pick-up.

Race packet pick-up will take place at the Health & Fitness Expo located at Navy Pier, Festival Hall B, on Friday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and admission is free. There is no Race Day packet pick-up or registration.

For more information on The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, visit shamrockshuffle.com or call (312) 904-9814.

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