Posted: November 29, 2004

Athletics: The Orange County Marathon Presented by PacifiCare Debuts December 5

Inaugural Race to Benefit Orange County Children's Charities; 10,000 Runners Expected

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - (November 29, 2004) - The more than 3 million residents of Orange County will now have their own marathon. The inaugural "OC 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, December 5, with running legend Bill Rodgers leading the way. The first year event 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, California is a gold sponsor and exclusive hospital supporter for the marathon. Other major supporters include: New Balance, Allergan, Bowne, McDonald's and Downey Savings.

"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 scenic 26.2-mile course will begin at Newport Center adjacent to Fashion Island in Newport Beach and wind its way through parts of Irvine and return to The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort via The Back Bay in Newport Beach, California. The race should prove to be a fast course with perfect marathon weather conditions, showcasing the lifestyle and glamour of beautiful 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 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, Marathon Race Director, adds, "Orange County just got a little sweeter. We now have a world-class venue for runners in what is the nation's second-largest running market. We are proud to host this event on December 5, 2004. This is something that the entire community can take part in and be proud of."

Kinane Events, which manages four of Orange County's largest running events, including the Orange County Race for the Cure and the Spirit Run will be handling the management of the event.

In addition to the races, the weekend will also offer a runner's expo Friday and Saturday, December 3-4. For more information on The OC Marathon please, call: (949) 476-7076 or visit: www.ocmarathon.com to sign up as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.