Nautica Malibu Triathlon, Presented By Toyota, Showcases Athleticism, Philanthropy in 22nd Year

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ --Los Angeles will again play host to some of the world's finest athletes, celebrities and philanthropists when the 22nd Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon, presented by Toyota, invades Zuma Beach on Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14.

Participants in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will put their skills to the test on a course that includes a half-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, an 18-mile bicycle ride along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway and a four-mile run along the sands of Zuma Beach.

In addition to pushing themselves physically, competitors will be racing for a worthy cause. This is the second year that proceeds from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will benefit the world-renowned Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Previously, the event raised nearly $780,000 for Childrens Hospital and organizers are aiming to raise even more in 2008.

"The inspiring stories that emerge from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon every year, both from the athletes and the recipients of the generosity of all participants, continues to drive our efforts and make every year better than the one before," said Michael Epstein, president, Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP). "We're proud of the dedication of the corporate teams, the athletes, the celebrities, Nautica(R) and Toyota to raise money for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, an organization that embodies the spirit of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon."

"Over the course of its twenty-two year history, the Nautica Malibu Triathlon has grown into a first-class athletic event drawing competitors, celebrities and spectators from around the globe," said Karen Murray, President of Nautica(R). "But despite the athletic accomplishments, we're most proud of the community that comes together every year and the commitment that each participant and spectator makes to supporting the life-saving work of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles."

Dedicated to curing and preventing childhood cancers, the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides groundbreaking treatments and therapies for some of the most serious and life-threatening pediatric cancers to children everywhere.

"Through our ongoing dedication to medical research and disease prevention, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program is making strides in the fight against this terrible illness," said Stuart E. Siegel, M.D., director of the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and professor and vice chair, pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. "We are very, very grateful for the generosity of all involved with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, and we look toward the future with hope and an unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity."

The challenge to raise funds for Childrens Hospital fuels the desire of many Nautica Malibu Triathlon participants. Among the numerous competitors this year is Jeff Castelaz ofLos Angeles, whose son Pablo was diagnosed with cancer and was successfully treated at Childrens Hospital. Pablo inspired Jeff to not only compete in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, but to dedicate his life to raising awareness of Childrens Hospital by starting the Pablove Foundation, a charity that directly supports the pediatric cancer community in and around the hospital.

The Nautica Malibu Triathlon provides a weekend full of activities from the Entertainment Industry Challenge that pitsHollywood studios, production companies and agencies against each other for the Studio Cup, to the Corporate Challenge that gives non-entertainment companies the chance to compete against one another. Participants in this year's Entertainment Industry Challenge include last year's winner, Disney, as well as DreamWorks and Paramount, while the Corporate Challenge includes heavyweights such as Nestle and a team from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

What would an event in Southern California be without celebrities? Competing in the Celebrity Division alongside elite athletes such as Iron Man winner Chris McCormack will be Felicity Huffman ("Desperate Housewives"), William H. Macy ("Wild Hogs"), Mark-Paul Gosselaar ("Raising the Bar," "NYPD Blue"), Jon Cryer ("Two and a Half Men"), Monique Coleman ("High School Musical"), Andy Baldwin ("The Bachelor"), Scott Foley ("The Unit"), Anna Kournikova and more. Adding to the fun is that celebrities will be sweating it out on the same demanding course as all participants.

Families and fans of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon can also participate in other weekend activities such as the Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot or enjoy games and prizes at the Fun Zone.

    Weekend schedule (times subject to change):

    Event held rain or shine!

    Friday - September 12, 2008

    10:00 am       Olympic Distance Race Packet pickup and Body marking begins
     7:00 pm       Packet pickup and Body marking ends at Zuma Beach

    Saturday - September 13, 2008

     4:30 am       Parking opens at Zuma Beach
     5:30 am       Packet pickup, Body marking, Transition area opens
     6:30 am       Registration closes
     6:45 am       Pre-race meeting at stage
     7:00 am       Olympic Distance Race Begins
    10:00 am       Sand Castle Demo Begins
    11:00 am       Competitor Awards Ceremony
     1:00 pm       Packet pick-up and body marking for Sunday race begins
     1:00 pm       Bike clinic at the Main Stage
     2:00 pm       Nutrition clinic
     3:00 pm       Triathlon clinic
     4:00 pm       Swim clinic at the Main Stage
     5:00 pm       Sand Castle Demo Ends
     5:00 pm       Pre-race registration ends

    Sunday - September 14, 2008

     4:30 am       Parking opens at Zuma Beach.
     5:30 am       Packet pickup, Body marking, Transition area opens.
     6:45 am       Registration closes
     7:00 am       Pre-race meeting at stage.
     7:15 am       RACE START!
     9:00 am       FunZone opens, Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot signups.
     9:45 am       Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot start
    10:00 am       Celebrity Division Awards Ceremony
    10:45 am       Competitor Awards Ceremony

About Childrens Hospital Los Angeles:

Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has been treating the most seriously ill and injured children inLos Angeles for more than a century, and it is acknowledged throughoutthe United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. Childrens Hospital is one of America's premier teaching hospitals, affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932. It is a national leader in pediatric research.

Since 1990, U.S. News & World Report and its panel of board-certified pediatricians have named Childrens Hospital Los Angeles one of the top pediatric facilities in the nation, and it is ranked among the Top 10 children's hospitals in the country -- and first among the 13 children's hospitals inCalifornia -- in the current magazine rankings.

About Nautica:

Founded in 1983, Nautica(R) is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men's, women's and children's apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica(R) products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica(R) is available in more than 64 countries with more than 235 Nautica(R) branded stores worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a world leader in branded apparel, including sportswear, jeanswear, outdoor products, imagewear and contemporary brand products. Its principal brands include Lee(R), Wrangler(R), John Varvatos(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), The North Face(R), Vans(R), Napapijri(R), Kipling(R), Reef(R), 7 For All Mankind(R) and lucy(R). For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com .

SOURCE Nautica

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