The  American  Development  Bonus program will reward the first 25 male and first  25 female U.S. citizens to cross the finish line of The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon with cash bonuses based on place finish. The program, introduced  in 2004, has been expanded this year to include the top 25 male and  female  finishers  as  opposed  to  the top five in 2004 and 2005. The breakdown of cash prizes for 2006 follows.

1st Place - $4,500            5th-7th Place - $1,750 2nd Place - $3,500            8th-12th Place - $1,500 3rd Place - $2,500            13th-18th Place - $1,250 4th Place - $2,250            19th-25th Place - $1,000

A  time  bonus  of  $2,500  will  be awarded to each American man and woman meeting the U.S. Olympic Trials A Standard. The A Standard for men is a finishing  time  of  2:20:00  and 2:39:00 for women. A time bonus of $1,500 will  be  presented to each American man and woman meeting the U.S. Olympic Trials B Standard. That time for men is 2:22:00 and 2:47:00 for women.

At  The  2002  and 2003 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathons, 36 men and 33 women  posted  U.S.  Olympic  Trial  qualifying  times-  the most produced on any certified  marathon  course in the world. When the time bonus structure was first  introduced in 2003, 22 men and 18 women were awarded cash prizes for their Olympic accomplishment.

"It  is  a tremendous accomplishment to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials and the runners seeking that echelon are consistently testing themselves at The  LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. The flat and fast course we provide and the  competitive  field  we turn out each year provide the perfect backdrop for  runners  challenging  themselves  to  hit  that  mark. We are proud to provide  them with added incentive and recognition for their accomplishment in  the  way  of  time  bonuses and eagerly anticipate witnessing the great racing  performances  that  are sure to take place on October 22," remarked Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski.

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon The  2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place Sunday, October 22, starting  and  finishing in Chicago's historic Grant Park. The Race will be broadcast live on CBS 2 CHICAGO and WSCR-AM The Score 670.

Elite athletes will compete for a portion of the highest prize purse in the sport  ($650,000),  while  also  competing  in the World Marathon Majors, a series  of  the  five most prestigious marathons in the world. The complete field  of  40,000  athletes  will represent all 50 states and more than 114 countries.

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.

For   more   information   on  The  LaSalle  Bank  Chicago  Marathon  visit chicagomarathon.com

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