LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

2000 LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON CONTRIBUTES
                     $87 MILLION TO CHICAGO'S ECONOMY
      Chicago's world-class event has become a showcase for the city,
                 attracting visitors from around the world

CHICAGO, (June 18, 2001) The 2000 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon
contributed $87 million to Chicago's economy, jumping 26 percent from 1999
($68.8 million), according to figures provided by The Regional Economic
Application Laboratory.* In the four years between 1996 and 2000, The
Marathon's impact grew from $29.6 million to $87 million, an impressive
294 percent. The growth in the number of participants is equally
impressive, increasing from 10,925 runners in 1996 to 33,171 in 2000.
"We are proud to see The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon continuing to
generate significant financial contributions to Chicago's economy," says
Mark A. Nystuen, group senior vice president and chief administrative
officer of LaSalle Bank and event chairman of The LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon. "The fact that so many individuals enjoy and support the event,
both from the Chicagoland area and from around the world, makes its
ongoing success even more rewarding."

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon's growing stature as a world-class event,
it is the third-largest marathon in the world, drawing more than 33,000
participants from 88 nations and more than 900,000 spectators in 2000, has
made it a key tourism attraction. The Marathon's financial clout places it
among Chicago's other historically successful attractions. For example, The
Art Institute of Chicago's celebrated and highly successful Monet
exhibition in 1995 contributed $390 million to Chicago's economy over four
months. When compared to The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, Monet
contributed $24 million per week, while the Marathon produced $87 million
in three days.*

"The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon offers Chicago an occasion to welcome
thousands of people from around the world. It provides an opportunity for
the city to showcase its great lakefront and dynamic communities while
providing solid financial benefits to the city's economy," said Chicago
Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Looking ahead to this year's Marathon, the event is likely to benefit from
additional tourist dollars since it occurs during the Columbus Day holiday
weekend (Oct. 7). The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, which marks the
event's 25th anniversary, also will take place during Columbus Day weekend.
Recent years have seen marathon visitors planning longer hotel stays and
spending more money, further benefiting Chicago's economy. Holiday timing
in 2001 and 2002 is expected to advance these trends.

"The presence of a world-class marathon not only has a direct benefit to
area firms, it adds to Chicago's reputation as a world-class city that is
an ideal place to do business," remarks Carl Tannenbaum, senior vice
president and chief economist, LaSalle Bank. "The area has made tremendous
progress over the past generation in reducing its reliance on heavy
industry and evolving into a diverse economy with strong global ties. The
Marathon helps reinforce this more dynamic character, which has become a
powerful lure to both entrepreneurs and professionals."

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon's financial success stems from multiple
factors that contribute to its universal appeal. Chicago offers the world's
fastest and flattest course - a fact that has made it accessible for
runners at all levels. The organizational team, led by Executive Race
Director Carey Pinkowski, also puts The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in
front of the pack by producing a first-class event. The Marathon's Start
and Finish Lines are located in Grant Park, making the course
visitor-friendly while showcasing the beauty of Chicago's lakefront. These
elements have combined to raise the stature of The LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon, making it one of the world's top running events, anticipated by
locals and international visitors alike.

The 2001 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, at 7:30
a.m., starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. The race will be
televised live on NBC5 and broadcast on Chicago's ESPN Radio 1000 from 7:30
a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The 2001 race is expected to draw up to the registration
cap of 37,500 participants who will compete for $450,000 in prize money,
plus time bonuses. The Marathon is open to all runners who can complete the
course in less than six hours. For information call toll-free
1-888-243-3344 (U.S. and Canada) or (312) 904-9800. Registration is $70
($80 for international participants) and can be completed online by
visiting www.chicagomarathon.com. Mail-in entries will be accepted until
September 12, 2001. Runners registering online earn a $5 discount and have
a September 19, 2001 deadline or until the registration cap is reached,
whichever comes first. There will be no race weekend registration.

*The Regional Economics Applications Laboratory is a cooperative venture
between the University of Illinois and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
focusing on the development and use of analytical models for urban and
regional forecasting and economic development.

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