FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peggy Fort
California Marketing Concepts
(949) 422-4210
Second Annual OC Marathon Presented by PacifiCare
Set for January 8, 2006
Running Legend Bill Rodgers Event Spokesperson
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - (November 3, 2005) - The Second Annual "OC Marathon
Presented by PacifiCare" looks to draw runners from around the world and
provide a fast and scenic race benefiting eleven Orange County children's
charities. Sponsored by PacifiCare Health Systems Inc., the race will take
place Sunday, January 8, 2006 and expects to draw 15,000 runners and 40,000
spectators to Orange County. In addition to the marathon, there will also
be a half-marathon and several other races of shorter distance.
The race will again benefit children's charities through the nonprofit
organization Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). Last year, in its inaugural
year, The OC Marathon generated over $300,000 for ten Orange County
Children's Charities. Over 10,000 runners from 10 countries, 42 states and
over 600 cities accompanied 25,000 spectators to set the high mark for one
of the most successful inaugural marathons in history with many dramatic
story lines.
The 2006 ROCK charities that will benefit from this year's races include:
Make A Wish Foundation Orange County, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,
Southern California Chapter, SeaStar, Shortstop, United Cerebral Palsy
Association of Orange County, The CSUF Special Games/Kathleen Faley
Memorial, Olive Crest Orange County, Orange County Ronald McDonald House,
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, SCAMP - Southern California
Asthma Medical Program and The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana.
"PacifiCare is proud to bring a world-class event such as a marathon to
Orange County," said James Frey, president of PacifiCare of California.
"Our commitment to promote healthy, active lifestyles and physical fitness,
combined with the marathon's support of numerous local charities,
reinforces our company theme that 'Caring is Good. Doing Something is
Better.'"
The 26.2-mile course will begin at Newport Center, adjacent to Fashion
Island in Newport Beach and wind its way through the cities of Newport
Beach and Irvine to finish at the Greater Irvine Spectrum area. The race
should prove to be a fast course with perfect marathon weather conditions,
showcasing the scenic destination and glamour of Orange County, California.
"The marathon will not only provide a fun and healthy activity for the
county, but will also serve to improve the lives of our children through
the charities that it benefits," said ROCK Board Member Tom Wilson, Orange
County Supervisor, 5th District. "We support the marathon as a way to bring
the diverse populations of the county together in a spirit of friendship.
We also want to share with the world what we have known for many years:
Orange County is a great place to work, play and run!"
Bill Sumner, director of the marathon, added: "Orange County now has a
world-class venue for runners in what is the nation's second-largest
running market. Orange County is widely popularized in pop culture by the
appeal of Disneyland and the Fox television series The OC. It's only
fitting that the county has a marathon to add to its list of attractions."
In addition to the races, the weekend will also offer a runner's expo
Friday and Saturday, January 6-7. Visit www.OCMarathon.com or call (949)
222-3327 to sign up as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.
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