FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OC Marathon Set for Jan. 8, 2006
Running Legend and Winner of Nine Marathons,
Bill Rodgers, to Appear at Training Kick-off
Race to Benefit 11 Orange County Children's Charities
CYPRESS, Calif., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orange County's
3 million residents will soon have a reason to get their running shoes out:
official training for the second annual "OC Marathon Presented by
PacifiCare" will begin Aug. 6.
The marathon looks to draw runners from around the world and provide a
fast and scenic race while supporting 11 children's charities in Orange
County. Sponsored by PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. (NYSE: PHS), the race
will take place Jan. 8, 2006, and expects to draw 15,000 runners and 50,000
spectators to Orange County. In addition to the marathon, there will also
be a half-marathon and a 5K.
The race will benefit children's charities through the nonprofit
organization Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). These charities include:
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southern
California Chapter; CSUF Special Games; Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation (JDRF); Orange County Ronald McDonald House; Olive Crest Abused
Children's Foundation; Shortstop; SeaStar School for Neuroeducation; SCAMP
(Southern California Asthma Medical Program); United Cerebral Palsy; and
the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Starting Aug. 6, Cal Coast Track Club and A Snail's Pace Training Program
will offer official training at six locations across Southern California.
For a list of locations, visit www.ocmarathon.com or call
949-222-9888. The training will give participants expert coaching that
places runners in groups based on ability, a weekly training schedule,
social activities and seminars on proper equipment, nutrition and
hydration. Training will kick off with an appearance by American running
legend Bill Rodgers, who has won both the New York and Boston marathons
four times each.
"Orange County is a dream location for a marathon. With beautiful weather
and a route that takes you through some of the best scenery, it makes for a
truly memorable running experience," said Bill Sumner, director of the
marathon and president of Cal Coast Track Club. "And we can help runners
of all levels to prepare for this race so they can fully enjoy themselves."
In addition to PacifiCare, which is the presenting sponsor, Ameriquest is
a platinum sponsor, and Hoag Hospital, Allergan, Doner Advertising, Latham
& Watkins LLP and New Balance are gold sponsors. Silver sponsors include
the Automobile Club of Southern California and Downey Savings. Other
sponsors include Talk Radio 790 KABC, Ralphs, Ford and McDonald's.
"Orange County has been PacifiCare's home for than more than 25 years. We
are proud to continue our support of the OC Marathon," said James Frey,
executive vice president of PacifiCare. "We believe that the Marathon's
combination of promoting healthful, active lifestyles and physical fitness,
and its support of numerous local children's charities reflects our company
theme, 'Caring is good. Doing something is better.'"
Tentatively, the 26.2-mile course will begin at Newport Center, adjacent
to Fashion Island, in Newport Beach and wind its way through Irvine to the
Greater Irvine Spectrum area. The race should prove to be a fast course
with perfect marathon weather conditions, showcasing the history and beauty
of Orange County along the way.
"The Board of Supervisors is glad to welcome the OC Marathon back because
it is a fun and challenging event that shows the best Orange County has to
offer to our residents and visitors alike and supports the good work of
almost a dozen local children's charities," said Jim Silva, Orange County
Supervisor, 2nd District. "Last year, the OC Marathon helped raise almost
$450,000 for charities, both through the race itself and through runner's
pledges and other donations."
In addition to the races, the weekend will also offer a Health, Fitness
and Nutrition Expo Jan. 6 and 7. Visit www.ocmarathon.com to sign
up as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.
About PacifiCare:
PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation's largest consumer health
organizations with nearly 3.3 million health plan members and approximately
11.3 million specialty plan members nationwide. PacifiCare offers
individuals, employers and Medicare beneficiaries a variety of
consumer-driven health care and life insurance products. Specialty plan
operations include behavioral health, dental and vision, and complete
pharmacy benefit management through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Prescription Solutions. More information on PacifiCare Health Systems is
available at www.pacificare.com.
"Caring is good. Doing something is better." is a service mark of
PacifiCare Health Systems Inc.
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