CHICAGO - LA JOLLA, CA - January 7, 2004 - The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, Chicago's premier 26.2 mile road race and one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world, has partnered with Active.com. Through a five-year agreement, Active.com - one of the largest providers of online registration for participatory sports - will provide online registration, electronic marketing and data management services for The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle.
Online registration for both Chicago races is open now and can be accessed through the race Web sites (www.chicagomarathon.com www.shamrockshuffle.com ). The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle is March 28, 2004 and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is October 10, 2004.
"We're looking forward to working with Active.com to not only bring technology innovations to our participants, but also provide the reliability, stability and technology infrastructure that comes with being a leader in the endurance sports market," said Event Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer of LaSalle Bank Mark A. Nystuen.
One innovation for the nearly one million spectators and fans who will follow The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is Active.com's Runner Update Network (RUN) service. Customized for LaSalle Bank, the new service will include better ways for friends, family and fans to track their favorite runner's progress during the race.
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will utilize other Active.com services, including customized online registration; e-mail communications and list management for ongoing electronic marketing; virtual training; and race results.
"The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is entrusting us to provide the highest quality data management services so participants and spectators can fully enjoy the race experience. This isn't an easy decision for any race organizer and we are truly excited for this opportunity," said Jon Belmonte, chief operating officer for Active.com's parent company, The Active Network. "The LaSalle Bank races are known for their great community spirit and every participant, sponsor, volunteer and city official receives first-class treatment. We're looking forward to continuing this commitment, while taking these services to a new level."
About Active.com
Event organizers in multiple sports use Active.com's services for online registration and donation processing, data management, and event promotion. Active.com Event Services (www.active.com/myevent) currently works with hundreds of events in the Chicago area and has recently added such Chicago favorites as the 7th Annual Chicago Race for the Cure, Chicago Distance Classic, Chicago Half Marathon, and Chicago Quarter Marathon. For participants, Active.com offers one of the Web's best resources to find, learn about and register online for participatory sports and recreational activities nationwide. This service is highlighted at ChicagoWorksOut.com, where Active.com provides a searchable calendar of Chicago-area participatory events and activities. Part of The Active Network, Active.com (www.active.com) has deep ties in the industry and a solid history in participatory sports and event management. For more information about The Active Network, visit www.theactivenetwork.com .
About The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
The 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, October 10 at 8 a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. CBS 2 CHICAGO is the official broadcast partner of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and will cover the race live from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. race day. For more information, go to www.chicagomarathon.com.