Posted: October 21, 2005

Athletics: Second Running Of The OC Marathon Set For Jaunary 8th, 2006

Event Spokesperson and Running Legend Bill Rodgers To Lead Impressive Elite Field

Newport Beach, CA. - The Second Annual “OC Marathon Presented by PacifiCare” looks to draw runners from around the world and provide a fast and scenic race benefiting eleven Orange County children’s charities. Sponsored by PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. (NYSE: PHS), the race will take place Sunday, January 8th, 2006, and expects to draw 15,000 runners and 40,000 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 again benefit children’s charities through the nonprofit organization Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). Last year, in its inaugural year, The OC Marathon generated over $300,000 for ten Orange County Children’s Charities. Over 10,000 runners from 10 countries, 42 states and over 600 cities accompanied 25,000 spectators to set the high mark for one of the most successful inaugural marathons in history with many dramatic story lines.

The 2006 ROCK charities that will benefit from this year’s races include: Make A Wish Foundation Orange County; The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southern California Chapter; SeaStar; 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; SCAMP – Southern California Asthma Medical Program and The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana.

“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 26.2-mile course will begin at Newport Center, adjacent to Fashion Island in Newport Beach and wind its way through the cities of Newport Beach and Irvine to finish at the Greater Irvine Spectrum area. The race should prove to be a fast course with perfect marathon weather conditions, showcasing the scenic destination and glamour of Orange County, California.

“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, 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, January 6th and 7th. Visit www.ocmarathon.com or call (949) 222-3327 to sign up as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.