Despite recent tragic events in our nation, The 2001 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place, starting on Sunday, October 7 at 7:30 a.m. in Grant Park. A record 37,500 runners and more than 900,000 spectators are expected to participate in one of Chicago's favorite annual traditions.

"We extend our sympathy to the friends and family of those who perished in this disaster and we send heartfelt thanks to the many heroes working tirelessly to help those in need," said Mark A. Nystuen, group senior vice president and chief administrative officer of LaSalle Bank and event chairman of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. "The triumph of our nation over this adversity will be, I believe, beautifully reflected in the spirit and resolve of our many runners on Race Day."

"The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon represents another way to return to our normal lives during this unthinkable time in our history. People have trained long and hard to be a part of this, which demonstrates the resolve of the human spirit," stated Jim Law, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events. "As always, the safety of runners, volunteers and spectators will be our first priority."

LaSalle Bank has established a way for people to help the families and victims of our nation's tragedy by making a donation to the American Red Cross. Contributions for the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund are being accepted at all LaSalle Bank locations and at the Health & Fitness Expo during Race Weekend. Donors at the Expo will receive a red, white and blue ribbon to wear on race day to remember the victims and support those who serve and protect our nation. Financial contributions also can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or sent to the American Red Cross, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 1907, Chicago, IL 60675-1907. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.chicagoredcross.org.

"As Red Cross volunteers strive to provide comfort and relief to the scores of people impacted by the tragic events of September 11th, we are extraordinarily grateful to LaSalle Bank for helping to assure that the Red Cross will be there each step of the way." said William L. Braden, chief executive officer, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. "The Red Cross has made an enduring promise to the American people that we will be there in their time of need, whenever and wherever disasters occur. Thanks to LaSalle Bank, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and the men and women running in support of the relief effort, we will keep that promise."

The 2001 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will be televised live on NBC5 Chicago from 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and broadcast on Chicago's ESPN Radio 1000 from 6:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.