Malibu, California –The Nautica® brand is proud to announce that the 20th annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2006. With 2,000 competitor spots, this year’s milestone anniversary event draws athletes and spectators from around the country to converge on Zuma Beach in Malibu, California to swim, bike, run, and celebrate athletic achievement throughout the triathlon. The race will test participants’ strength and stamina, all while raising money for an incredible cause, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Over the past twenty years the Nautica Malibu Triathlon has brought together an incredible range of participants from professional triathletes to challenged athletes and from weekend warriors to the Hollywood A-listers. This year’s 20th anniversary race is no exception to the extraordinary scope of race goers. Beginning promptly at 7:15 am, triathletes will sprint into the 68-degree Pacific Ocean for a half-mile swim followed by an eighteen-mile bicycle race and will finally end with a four-mile run to the finish line.
Each year the Nautica Malibu Triathlon raises money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Last year alone, the event raised over $500,000 for the foundation, which creates a future of hope for children and families worldwide by working to eradicate pediatric AIDS and provide care and treatment to people living with HIV/AIDS. This year the Nautica Malibu Triathlon aims to raise even more money for the incredible cause.
“Nautica® is once again pleased to present the 2006 Nautica Malibu Triathlon,” said Denise V. Seegal, President and CEO of VF Sportswear, Inc. “We are very proud of this event because it celebrates achievement by athletes of all levels while simultaneously raising money for a truly great cause, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.”
“Nautica, along with the many athletes, celebrities and other sponsors that make up this amazing event, has demonstrated a belief in our mission and a commitment to touching the lives of children who so desperately need our help. We feel privileged to be the recipient of their generosity and are thankful for their help as we work to improve the health of children around the globe,” said Pam Barnes, President and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
As a testament to the event and the worthy cause it benefits, each year the number of spectators cheering the athletes along the course at the Nautica Malibu Triathlon increases significantly, creating a truly inspirational energy for racers and attendees. The popularity of the event reflects a nationwide trend with a marked increase in triathlon participation over the past twenty years. The Nautica Malibu Triathlon continues to remain a key event in the triathlon circuit, and what was once the domain of marathons, the triathlon’s multi-sport format has become an increasingly popular challenge for amateurs to take on both individually and as part of a team.
The number of corporate teams participating in recent years has swelled, with more company teams than ever lined up to sweat it out at this year’s race. The 2006 roster includes competitors from Neutrogena, Amgen, Disney, and Herbalife who will be training together throughout the summer, each team striving to capture first place in the corporate competition. These corporations are looking for a positive, challenging way to come together as a team and the Nautica Malibu Triathlon provides the platform.
In addition to the corporate teams, weekend warriors and triathlon first-timers, the Nautica Malibu Triathlon is an event that the Hollywood bold-faced names enjoy as well. Last year’s celebrity participants included Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, James Denton, Estella Warren, Jon Cryer, Tate Donovan and David Duchovny. There are also a host of challenged athletes with stories that will inspire any athlete to get up and get going.
The Nautica Malibu Triathlon will take place on Zuma Beach in Malibu, California on Sunday, September 17, 2006. Other activities will be hosted throughout the weekend on Zuma Beach. The kick-off event will be held on Friday, September 15th at the Sunset Restaurant in Malibu with a 20th Anniversary Dinner to honor this incredible milestone! Saturday festivities include sponsor booths, a sandcastle building exhibition, triathlon workshops and more. Sunday’s post-race activities include the Tot Trot for kids 12 and under, an awards ceremony and a celebrity VIP brunch.
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