The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Generates $6.3 Million For Charities

34% Growth in Charitable Contributions Encouraging for 2006 Event 

CHICAGO (January 19, 2006) – Throughout its 28-year history, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has generated some of the most memorable moments in the sport of marathon racing including American and world record-breaking performances.  It also has evolved into a vital vehicle for local, national and international charities to raise money for their respective causes. 

In 2005, 3,000 Marathon participants raised $6.3 million for charities, an increase from the 2,500 runners that raised $4.7 million in 2004.  These funds directly support research and advocacy on behalf of children and adults with life-threatening diseases and impairments, as well as those that are living in poverty and in need of disaster relief.

“Each year I am amazed to see the steady increase in the money raised for charities and the overall number of participating charities,” commented Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski.  “The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon event has proven to be a perfect match for individuals, communities and charities to raise money and build hope for the causes they support.”

Also in 2005, thousands of LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon participants “Made it More Meaningful” by running to raise support for 43 local, national and international charity organisations.  For the first year, the Ronald McDonald House began sponsoring Charity Village, a special area where the charity runners and their supporters could gather before and after the marathon. 

There were three official charities for this year’s race, which included: American Cancer Society ($650,000), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TEAM in Training ($2.3 million) and National AIDS Marathon Training Program ($1.1 million).  In addition to the three official charities, there were four charity partners, 14 participating charities and 19 associated charities, all of whom contributed to the tremendous $6.3 million.

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday, October 22 starting and finishing in Chicago’s Grant Park.  The Race will be broadcast live on CBS 2 CHICAGO.

Last year’s race attracted the maximum 40,000 participants.  Elite athletes will compete for a portion of the $650,000 prize purse, the highest in the sport.  The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon draws world-class athletes and participants from all 50 states and from more than 120 countries around the globe.

LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Charity Release add one

Runners may register online at chicagomarathon.com until the participation cap of 40,000 has been reached (last year the registration cap was reached in mid-July).  Race weekend entries will not be accepted.  The entrance fee for the Marathon is $90 for U.S. runners and $100 for international runners.

The Health & Fitness Expo will take place Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21, 2006 at McCormick Place.  The weekend will include more than 150 exhibitors featuring the newest designs in running gear and shoes, as well as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition. The Health & Fitness is free and open to the public.

For more information on The LaSalle Chicago Marathon visit chicagomarathon.com or call 312/904-9800 and for additional information about other LaSalle Bank sponsored sporting events, visit lasallebanksports.com.