Posted: September 22, 2007

Athletics: Counting Down To The 30th Anniversary Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon

30 Inspiring Stories in 30 Days Edward Curry takes on a different approach to training for the marathon. Instead of an 18-week training program, he focuses on mental preparation and in physically preparing by selecting a costume. Without any formal training to speak of, Edward will arrive at the start line on Oct. 7 armed only with his good humor, silly costume and the support of the masses on the sidelines. WHO: Edward Curry AGE: 31 OCCUPATION: Bond Trader HOMETOWN: London, England (Currently resides in Chicago) PREVIOUS MARATHONS: 5 RUNNER STORY: Edward Curry runs for fun. It sounds like a line straight out of a children’s book yet gives a simple insight into this runner’s life. He is not running to raise money or establish a personal best. He simply enjoys running and the unique and intense atmosphere that surrounds marathon race days. His childlike attitude is what motivates him to arrive at the starting line. Edward possesses a respectable athletic background as a former member of the British International Crew Team. With the team he brought home victories at the European Junior Championship in 1994 and at the Henley Royal Regatta in back-to-back appearances in 1997 and 1998. He also had the honor of competing against some of the best in his sport at The World Cup. This impressive résumé certifies his ability to compete in team sports. There is no doubt this man understands the training and discipline required to earn titles. Yet his daily routine consists of avoiding anything close to qualifying as training. He makes sure he registers on time and just shows up to the race. While Edward does little to prepare his physical status, he actually works quite diligently to prepare himself mentally. He seeks out the most ridiculous accessory he can locate to wear in the race. In The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, he donned a golden, horned, studded hat made of leather. He was more than pleased with the response he received from his silly display. At every step he was greeted with smiles and cheers. With every shout and whistle, Edward knew he was a source of entertainment and that made him want to run more. The positive response he received has inspired Edward to run in this year’s LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. He plans to run alone but not to be alone. He is currently in the process of locating an even more outrageous costume to put on display. He hopes to once again turn heads and contribute to the energetic mood that accompanies the marathon. To-date he has competed in five marathons but he promises to unveil his best effort in the city of his new home. RACE INFORMATION: The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Sunday, October 7, 2007 as 45,000 participants advance to the start line, embarking on the culmination of 45,000 personal journeys. Along with the massive field of recreational runners, the 26.2-mile course will welcome a full field of world renowned professional athletes drawn to the flat, fast, urban setting and the potential to break world and national records. The professionals will compete for prize money and points in the World Marathon Majors series which will crown its first male and female champions with $500,000 each at the close of 2007. Since the inception of its charity program in 2002, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has generated more than $27.5 million for a variety of charitable causes including $9.5 million in the 2006 event alone. Registration for the race opened on January 1, 2007 and closed when it reached capacity on April 18. Edward’s story and all previously released runner stories are available at ChicagoMarathon.com. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest