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CHICAGO - (July 26, 2006) - The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon presented by the Illinois Agents of Farmers Insurance has announced Special Olympics Chicago as the preferred charity of the 10th anniversary race, which takes place on Sunday, October 1 at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Special Olympics was created in Chicago in 1968 and provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These programs provide the athletes with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. They participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
"We are extremely excited to have Special Olympics Chicago as a partner," said Susan Nicholl, General Manager of The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon. "This is an avenue for our participants to make a difference in the lives of fellow athletes, people who set goals, train and strive for personal achievements, just like our runners do. It is a partnership we're really proud of."
The runner raising the most funds will be awarded a three night stay at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, two $200 United Airlines vouchers, and two complimentary entries to the New Las Vegas Half Marathon on December 10, 2006. All runners raising $250 or more will be sent a white long-sleeved Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon performance t-shirt.
Special Children's Charities has been the financial supporter of Special Olympics Chicago programs since 1969 - all funds donated will entirely benefit Chicago based programs. Special Olympics in Chicago is the longest-running, largest single-city community-based program in the country with nearly 5,000 athletes. With programs throughout the year, athletes are offered training in 19 sports.
"Since Special Olympics was founded in Chicago, it is truly a perfect fit for our organization to collaborate with an event that is among the best running events in our great city," said Michael Sheahan, President of the Special Children's Charities Board. "We are very excited about a collaboration that will make such a difference to the programs that Special Olympics Chicago athletes enjoy throughout the year."
For more information on how to support Special Olympics as well as registration for the race's 10th edition, visit: ChicagoHalfMarathon.com
About The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon
The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon is the longest running half-marathon in Chicago and has been listed as one of the Top 10 Half Marathons in the U.S. by Runner's World magazine. Staged from the sprawling campus of the Museum of Science and Industry, the scenic 13.1 mile course winds through Jackson Park, the historic University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park community, and continues along Lake Shore Drive with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline.
2006 also marks the debut of the official training program for The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Roadrunners. For more information or to register for Roadrunners or The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon, visit ChicagoHalfMarathon.com or call (312) 347-0233. The Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon is owned by Devine Sports, online at DevineSports.com.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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