Competition To Benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /CRWENewswire/ — One of Southern California’s most anticipated events returns to Zuma Beach in Malibu the weekend of September 11-12, 2010 as the 24th Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon hosts some of the world’s finest athletes, celebrities and philanthropists.

The triathlon event course includes a half-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, an 18-mile bicycle ride along picturesque Pacific Coast Highway and a four-mile run along the sands of Zuma Beach.

For the fourth year, proceeds from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Last year, the event raised more than $1,000,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Program, with the help of celebrity participants including Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, and Jon Cryer.

“Each year our event hits the beach in Malibu we are invigorated and rejuvenated by the athletes and recipients and their inspirational stories on behalf of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles,” said Michael Epstein, president, Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP.) “The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is a success because of the dedication and hard work of all the participants, corporate teams and sponsors and their commitment to making each year the best yet.”

“The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is one of the premier athletic events in Southern California and we are proud to return for the 24th year,” said Karen Murray, President of Nautica. “The response from the community, athletes, celebrities and media for this annual event is outstanding as is their support for 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 children with some of the most serious and life-threatening pediatric cancers.

“Our commitment to cancer research at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is making a difference in the fight against these terrible illnesses,” 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 of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. “Our research scientists are actively developing a new generation of treatments which provide hope for increasing the cure rate and improving the quality of life for these children and teens. We deeply appreciate the generosity of everyone involved with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon year after year. Together, we look forward to a future when this research will provide effective treatment for every child who faces cancer.”

The Nautica Malibu Triathlon provides opportunities for everyone to get involved; from the Entertainment Industry Challenge, which brings together Hollywood players from the top studios, production companies and agencies to compete for the Studio Cup, to the Corporate Challenge, which gives non-entertainment companies the chance to compete against one another. The Herbalife International distance race, which occurs on Saturday, challenges participants with a 1.5K Pacific Ocean swim, a 40K out-and-back bike course along the Pacific Coast Highway, and a 10K out-and-back run course on pavement and blacktop along the sands of Zuma Beach. Families and supporters 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.

Past celebrity participants have included: Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Cryer, Teri Hatcher, Jason Lee, Anna Kournikova, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Chris Harrison, Mario Lopez, and more.

Weekend Schedule (times subject to change, *EVENT HELD RAIN OR SHINE, spectators welcome!):

Friday - September 10, 2010

1:00 pm - Herbalife International Distance Race Packet pickup and Body marking begins

7:00 pm - Packet pickup and Body marking ends at Zuma Beach

Saturday - September 11, 2010

4:30 am - Parking opens at Zuma Beach

5:00 am - Packet pickup, Body marking, Transition area opens

6:30 am - Packet pickup and Transition Area closes

6:30 am - Pre-race meeting at stage

7:00 am - Herbalife International Distance Race Begins

10:00 am - Sand Castle Demo Begins

10:00 am - Transition Area re-opens

11:00 am - Competitor Awards Ceremony

1:00 pm - Packet pickup and body marking for Sunday race begins

1 - 4:00 pm - Swim, Bike, Triathlon and Nutrition Clinics at Main Stage

5:00 pm - Sand Castle Demo Ends

5:00 pm - Pre-race packet pickup ends

Sunday - September 12, 2010

4:30 am - Parking opens at Zuma Beach.

5:15 am - Packet pickup, Body marking, Transition area opens

6:45 am - Packet pickup closes

6:55 am - Transition Area closes

7:00 am - Pre-race meeting at stage

7:15 am - RACE START!

8:00 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

10:00 am - Transition Area re-opens

10:30 am - Competitor Awards Ceremony

About Childrens Hospital Los Angeles: Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals and is acknowledged worldwide for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is one of only seven children’s hospitals in the nation – and the only children’s hospital on the West Coast – ranked for two consecutive years in all 10 pediatric specialties in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and named to the magazine’s “Honor Roll” of children’s hospitals. The Saban Research Institute at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is among the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States, with 100 investigators at work on 186 laboratory studies, clinical trials and community-based research and health services. The Saban Research Institute is ranked eighth in National Institutes of Health funding among children’s hospitals in the United States. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is a premier teaching hospital and has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.

About Nautica: Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 60 countries with more than 200 Nautica® branded stores worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands, including Wrangler®, The North Face®, Lee®, Vans®, Nautica®, 7 For All Mankind®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, lucy®, John Varvatos®, Kipling®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders® and Splendid®. For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com.

About MESP:

Since 1986, MESP, Inc. has been a leader in lifestyle sports marketing. As a full service marketing and production company, MESP, Inc. has consistently delivered top quality events to athletes across the country. MESP, Inc. has produced events such as the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, the Day at the Beach Triathlon, the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series, the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series and many more. MESP strives to produce events with a festive atmosphere that make a difference in people’s lives and that continually maximize the enjoyment of the athletes, the exposure of the sponsors, and the well-being of the community.

Disclaimer:
CRWEnewswire is not liable for the contents of this news, as well as not being liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The Views and Opinions Expressed by the author are his or her opinions only and do not necessarily reflect those of Crown Equity Holdings or its agents, affiliates, officers, directors, staff, or contractors. The author at the time of this article did not own any shares or receive any consideration financial or otherwise from any company mentioned or referred to in the article.