Triathlon: Degree Expands Search For Two Degree® Everyman Ironman™ Winners

**Up To $100,000 Prize Package EACH For One Man and One Woman**

CHICAGO (January 7, 2004)- Have you ever wondered what you're capable of achieving? Have you thought about pushing yourself-both physically and mentally-to meet a challenge and be the best you can be? Let Degree help. We want to turn you into an Ironman-or an Iron-woman.

Degree is looking for two people - one man and one woman - to become the Degree Everyman Ironman winners. The search is part of the Degree relationship with Ironman, one of the toughest mental and physical endurance experiences on the planet. All it takes is two people who can prove they have the passion to find their "inner" Ironman.

"I think everyone has an Ironman moment, whether it's a desire to participate in a real Ironman triathlon, or pushing yourself to accomplish your own emotional or physical challenge," says Steve Katai, a 30-year-old from Cleveland who was selected as the Degree Everyman Ironman this year and who finished Ironman Florida on November 8. "For me, completing an Ironman has been one of my lifetime goals and now I feel like I have what it takes to accomplish anything."

To be selected, share your dream, never-say-die attitude and iron will - and Degree will supply the rest, including a prize worth up to $100,000 for each winner that includes:

1. Six-month multi-sport/triathlon training program in southern California
Salary reimbursement during the six-month period of training (maximum $50,000)
Training supplies and equipment
One-on-one training with a team of professional athletic trainers, experts
Lodging and living expenses during training

2. A ticket and slot to compete in a real Ironman triathlon
Round-trip airfare for two to the Ironman race city
Hotel accommodations and expenses related to Ironman competition

In addition to Steve Katai, 2003 Ironman World Championship first-timers Kimber Oliver and Frank Fumich, and Ironman Hall-of-Famer Bob Babbitt will help select the two Degree Everyman Ironman winners.

"Every Ironman triathlete started out just like the guy or gal next door," says Babbitt. "This contest will help one man and one woman who never thought it possible have the opportunity to reach the pinnacle of performance and endurance in becoming an Ironman."

The two Degree Everyman Ironman winners will be part of the Degree Ironman Team, participate in triathlons and other multi-sport events, and encourage amateur triathletes to embrace the passion for competition.

The Ironman competition consists of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile marathon, in succession. According to Babbitt, the average Ironman triathlete trains 18 to 24 hours each week for six to 12 months, depending on the training program. A typical training week includes seven miles of swimming, 225 miles of biking and 48 miles of running. Many competitors also cross-train with weight training, stretching and yoga.

Joining the Search
To enter the Search for the Degree Everyman Ironman contest, entrants are asked to submit an essay of no more than 250 words that describes their passion to become an Ironman, what is keeping them from fulfilling their dream and why they are now ready to take the ultimate challenge. The search is open to all U.S. residents who are 18-years and older. There is no entry fee or purchase necessary. Applicants must submit a photograph and/or video to further demonstrate their story and all entries must be received by April 30, 2004.

Judging will be based on: demonstration of commitment/passion to the challenge; relevance to the Search for the Degree Everyman Ironman and originality and creativity of the entry.

Entries may be submitted online at www.DegreeIronman.com or entrants can send a typed or neatly handwritten essay on 8½" x 11" plain paper along with their photograph and/or video with the following information: name, date of birth, complete mailing address, day/evening phone number and e-mail address (if any), to:
Search for the Degree Everyman Ironman Contest
P.O. Box 3153
Grand Rapids, MN 55745-3153

For more information, visit www.DegreeIronman.com.