News >> February 2, 2006

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For more information:
Marianne Caponi
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(847) 830-1056 – Cell
(312) 904-6521 – FAX
marianne.caponi@abnamro.com

LaSalle Bank Becomes Title Sponsor of the Columbus Distance Classic

The Half-Marathon to be Called The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic

COLUMBUS (February 2, 2006) — LaSalle Bank continues its expansion in the Columbus market as it will now become title sponsor of the Columbus Distance Classic half marathon. Entering its third year, the rapidly growing 13.1 mile road race will now officially be titled The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic and will serve as the Bank's premiere event in the Columbus community.

After entering the Ohio market eight years ago, LaSalle now offers commercial banking and commercial real estate services throughout the state with offices in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. Since opening in 2004, the Columbus office continues to strengthen its foothold in the community and continues to grow its business.

Along with its esteemed reputation in the banking industry, LaSalle is equally known for its commitment to community and rich history in sponsoring road races. The tradition displayed through the Bank's two marquee Chicago-based running events — The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle — will be further exemplified in the newest of its events The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic. The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon attracted the maximum 40,000 participants and more than 1.5 million spectators.

"I am so excited to have the LaSalle Bank Columbus office expand its reach within the Columbus community" remarked Steve Shepard, senior vice president of LaSalle Bank Columbus office. "Our office has been growing since its inception two years ago and this event is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community that has embraced us. LaSalle's sports franchises have made a real mark in the city of Chicago and I am confident this event will help do the same for LaSalle's name in Columbus."

The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic will take place on Saturday, April 1. This third annual event has quickly become a central-Ohio tradition. New this year will be a two-day Health and Fitness expo, where individuals can shop and receive last minute tips and enjoy gearing up for the half-marathon. Also new this year is a walking division and a new headliner concert Saturday Night presented by The Lifestyle Communities Pavilion.

John Bingham and Mayor Coleman
John Bingham and Mayor Michael B. Coleman

"The Columbus Distance Classic Half Marathon has become a world class event in our world class city and we are excited to have a great new partner like the LaSalle Bank helping us engage the community and encourage Columbus to commit to be fit", said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. "I would like to invite everyone to join me April 1st in Columbus' beautiful Arena District for The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic and Commit to be Fit 5k."

"The addition of the LaSalle Bank sports marketing team to our event is a unique merging of strengths and talents," says Runner's World columnist and founder of John Bingham Racing, John Bingham. "The Columbus Distance Classic has quickly become a celebration of the active healthy lifestyle in Ohio. With the support of LaSalle Bank this event will continue to be the premier spring event for runners and walkers throughout the Midwest."

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic takes place Saturday, April 1. The half-marathon will begin at 9 a.m. The Commit to Be Fit 5k will start at 9:10 and the popular Capital Kids Mascot Chase will take place at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is now open for 2006. Interested individuals can register for the half-marathon on-line at columbusdistanceclassic.com and via standard mail. On-line registration is $50.

For more information on The LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic visit columbusdistanceclassic.com or call 877/474-0449.

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.

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 Expo 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.

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