|
From overcoming adversity, to remembering a loved one, to running while juggling, new runner stories released daily between now and race day aims to ignite and unite the city
September 7, 2007, CHICAGO – Celebrating 30 years of inspiring stories,
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon is kicking off its 30-day countdown to
race day by introducing a new series of stories featuring runners
competing in this year’s Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007.
The series, which launches today, is comprised of 30 runners who each
have their own compelling story of determination driving their
commitment to run this year’s 26.2-mile race. New stories will be posted
daily on the recently revamped LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon website,
www.chicagomarathon.com, as well as released to media outlets.
“The transformation of the city that takes place between now and race
day is remarkable,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of The
LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. “We are busy preparing for race day and
the masses that will line the streets looking to feed off of the energy
that exudes from the runners. This series allows us to share that
passion, dedication and enthusiasm with the entire world, further
expanding the ripple effect of energy that is generated from the
Marathon.”
Country music singer Jo Dee Messina kicks off the series today with her
story about training for the Marathon while on tour. She will also be
kicking off race day festivities by singing the national anthem at the
start line. A perfect representative of the type of character needed to
take on the challenges of the marathon, Messina will bring the same
spirit, determination and tenacity to the race course as she has to her
music career.
Other runners featured in this series include: Iraq veterans and
soldiers currently in service, the editor-in-chief of Runner’s World, an
Olympic hopeful, a creative fundraising couple soliciting sponsors for
each step they take toward the finish line, a man celebrating his 30th
wedding anniversary, a woman given just hours to live who is now raising
money for her charity, a man who never trains, but runs wearing wacky
costumes and a woman from Amsterdam who found a home among a Chicago
running group. Although each story is unique, they share the same sense
of passion for the challenges of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
The series also launches the preparation of the city for the massive
race that will welcome 45,000 runners and an estimated 1.5 million
spectators to its urban course. Over the course of the next several
weeks, visible alterations to the cityscape will begin to transform
including the installation of street pole banners, CTA buses wrapped in
Marathon messaging and the launch of an ad campaign asking Chicagoans
where they will be on race day. Street teams will begin appearing today,
energizing and igniting commuters, residents and visitors as they run
through the city, host marathon-style water stations and construct
finish lines throughout the city.
For more information on the race, its runners and its plans to transform
the city, visit www.chicagomarathon.com.
Runner Story # 1:
Country music singer Jo Dee Messina to perform national anthem before joining the masses at the start line
WHO: Jo Dee Messina
AGE/OCCUPATION: 37; Country Music Singer
HOMETOWN: Nashville, Tenn. (born in Holliston, Mass.)
MARATHONS: 1 (2006 Boston Marathon)
RUNNER STORY: On October 4, country singer Jo Dee Messina will
finish a busy touring schedule and head to Chicago for
her LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon debut. A
self-proclaimed jock during her childhood, Messina
caught on to running later in life and will be
following up her debut at the 2006 Boston Marathon on
the streets of Chicago.
An award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist,
Messina will step to the start line stage before
joining the field on October 7 to perform the national
anthem for her fellow runners. The athletes are sure
to be treated to the great talents that have landed
Messina nine #1 singles and accolades from The Country
Music Association, The Academy of Country Music and
The Grammy Awards.
Despite her hectic tour schedule, Jo Dee has been
training for the Marathon with daily runs set in the
various tour markets nationwide. In addition, she has
been preparing for the release of her new album titled
"Unmistakable," slated to hit stores in early 2008.
With songs that focus on a musical message of
optimism, strength and hope – all pillars of the
Marathon itself—preparation for the run has
'unmistakably' been an excellent source of inspiration
for Jo Dee as she prepares to once again rise to the
top of the charts. A perfect representative of the
type of character needed to take on the challenges of
the Marathon, Messina will bring the same spirit,
determination and tenacity to the race course as she
has to her music career.
Race Information:
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will celebrate
its 30th anniversary on Sunday, October 7, 2007 as
45,000 participants advance to the start line,
embarking on the culmination of 45,000 personal
journeys. Along with the massive field of recreational
runners, the 26.2-mile course will welcome a full
field of world renowned professional athletes drawn to
the flat, fast, urban setting and the potential to
break world and national records. Since the inception
of its charity program in 2002, The LaSalle Bank
Chicago Marathon has generated more than $27.5 million
for a variety of charitable causes including $9.5
million in the 2006 event alone. Registration for the
race opened on January 1, 2007 and closed when it
reached capacity on April 18.
Website: www.chicagomarathon.com.
Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest
| 
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?