Two months after recording the second fastest women's marathon time ever, Paula Radcliffe has committed to The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, it was announced today by Carey Pinkowski, executive race director. The 25th Anniversary of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon takes place October 13.

"I have been a big fan of Paula Radcliffe for a long time," said Pinkowski. "Watching her 2:18:56 debut marathon at The London Marathon this past April was one of the greatest displays of running I have ever witnessed. I think everyone agrees that Radcliffe will go much faster in her second marathon and believe me, I am truly glad that will be in Chicago!"

Radcliffe, 28, from Northwich, Cheshire, has undoubtedly established herself as Britain's top female distance runner and one of the best competitors in the world. Earlier this year she won her second consecutive World Cross Country title in Ireland. The British superstar is also the two-time defending World Half-Marathon champion, one of the world's top 10,000m runners, and a favorite for the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon. In her long awaited marathon debut in London this spring, Radcliffe ran away from a strong field, winning easily in 2:18:56 - only nine seconds short of Catherine Ndereba's World Record set at The 2001 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. The fact that Radcliffe ran the last 15 miles of the race alone made the accomplishment even more impressive.

"I am delighted to make my first appearance in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon," said Radcliffe. "Chicago has a worldwide reputation for its great venue, course and crowd support and I look forward to experiencing all three."

Elite athletes will compete for an event record purse of $500,000. The male and female winners each will earn $100,000, the largest ever payout for first place in a marathon. The 2002 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon begins Sunday, October 13 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 2002 race is expected to draw up to the registration cap of 37,500 participants.

The Marathon is open to all runners who can complete the course in less than six hours. For information call toll-free (888) 243-3344 (U.S. and Canada) or (312) 904-9800. Registration is $80 ($90 for international participants) and can be completed online by visiting www.chicagomarathon.com. Mail-in entries will be accepted until September 9, 2002. Runners registering online earn a $5 discount and have a September 16, 2002 deadline or until the registration cap is reached, whichever comes first. There will be no race weekend registration.