Athletics: The Inaugural Orange County California Marathon Presented by PacifiCare Set for Dec. 5, 2004

Race to benefit children> '> s charities

CYPRESS, Calif., April 7, 2004 - The more than 3 million residents of Orange County will now have their own marathon.

The inaugural Orange County California Marathon Presented by PacifiCare looks to draw runners from around the world and provide a fast and scenic race while supporting many Orange County children> '> s charities. Sponsored by PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. (NYSE: PHS), the race will take place Sunday, Dec. 5, and expects to draw 10,000 runners and 75,000 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 benefit children's charities through the nonprofit organization Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). The charities that will benefit from this year> '> s races include: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southern California Chapter; The Brain Injury Foundation; 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; THINK Together; and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana.

In addition to PacifiCare, which is the presenting sponsor, Hoag Hospital of Newport Beach, Calif., is a gold sponsor and exclusive hospital supporter for the marathon.

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'.

Tentatively, the 26.2-mile course will begin at Fashion Island in Newport Beach and wind its way through Irvine to the Spectrum and return to the Newport Dunes via the Back Bay. The race should prove to be a fast course with perfect marathon weather conditions, showcasing the history and glamour of Orange County.

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 Chairman 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 O.C. 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, Dec. 3 and 4. Visit www.ocmarathon.com to sign up as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.

PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation's largest consumer health organizations with more than 3 million health plan members and approximately 9 million specialty p> lan members nationwide. PacifiCare offers individuals, employers and Medicare beneficiaries a variety of consumer-driven health care and life insurance products. Currently, more than 99 percent of PacifiCare> '> s commercial health plan members are enrolled in plans that have received Excellent Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). PacifiCare> '> s specialty operations include behavioral health, dental and vision, and complete pharmacy and medical management through its wholly owned subsidiary, Prescription Solutions. More information on PacifiCare Health Systems is available at www.pacificare.com.