Press Release - Chicago Marathon - 10/11/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                 2005 REIGNING CHAMPION FELIX LIMO WITHDRAWS
                   FROM 2006 LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON

CHICAGO  (October  11,  2006)  -  The  2005  LaSalle  Bank Chicago Marathon
champion Felix Limo (KEN) has withdrawn from this year's race. Citing lower
back  pain,  the  winner  of  the  2006  Flora  London Marathon and current
co-leader  on  the  World  Marathon  Majors  leader  board,  informed  race
officials today that he will be unable to compete on October 22.

"While this is a disappointment for us and for Felix that he will be unable
to  defend his crown, we undoubtedly support what was obviously a difficult
decision for him," remarked Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "Felix
is  a  great  champion  and I am confident that he will recover and be back
stronger than ever. He is always welcome here and we will make every effort
to bring him back to Chicago in 2007."

Limo earned The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon title in 2:07:02 and was
considered  an early favorite in this year's Race. Earlier this year he won
a  second  consecutive  title and 25 World Marathon Majors points in London
with a 2:06:39 finish.

"I  am  very  sorry  to  have to withdraw from this race," Limo stated from
Kenya.  "I  was  hoping  to  run a fast time and win in Chicago and it is a
disappointment to me that I must make this decision. I am beginning to feel
less pain in my back, but do not feel confident I can run a good race right
now and I am committed to putting together my best performances for myself,
for the organizers and for the fans of the sport."

Among  Limo's  challengers  who  remain  in the field are Kenyans Robert K.
Cheruiyot,  Benjamin  Maiyo  and  Daniel Njenga. Cheruiyot is fresh off his
2006 Boston Marathon championship where he became the World Marathon Majors
joint  points  leader  with  Limo, Maiyo was runner-up to Limo last fall in
Chicago  and  this  spring  to  Cheruiyot  in  Boston and Njenga has placed
second,  third,  second  and third in his four Chicago appearances. All are
contenders for the Chicago crown.

The  LaSalle  Bank Chicago Marathon will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22
in  Chicago's  Grant  Park.  The field of elite athletes will compete for a
portion  of  the  $650,000 prize purse alongside 40,000 registered runners.
For    more   information   on   the   Race   and   its   athletes,   visit

                          www.chicagomarathon.com

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