Registration is still open for runners interested in joining Opportunity Enterprises Marathon Team. The team’s program consists of an 18-week training program, which prepares team members to complete the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12. To date, over 150 Porter and Lake county residents have registered for the 500-member team.

Training runs for local Northwest Indiana runners will be held on Saturdays and Sundays in Porter County at 7 a.m. beginning June 14, and in Lake County on Sundays at Wicker Park in Highland at 7 a.m. on June 15. Additionally, the Galloway program will start 8 a.m. on April 5 at Opportunity Enterprises in Porter County.

In exchange for committing to raise money for OE, team members will receive several benefits, including a team shirt, team training programs for runners of every fitness level, complimentary race entry and transportation to and from the marathon. Runners will also have access to an exclusive race day warm-up and reunite tent with restroom facilities in Charity Village. The team welcomes all runners, without regard to age, fitness level, or ability.

The team has raised over $1 million since its inception in 1999. Last year, the OE Running Team, comprised of 413 runners from 26 states and four countries, raised $210,000 for OE.  For more information, visit www.oerunners.org