Training for Second Annual 'OC Marathon Presented by PacifiCare' to Start Aug. 6

CYPRESS, Calif., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orange County's 3 million residents will soon have a reason to get their running shoes out: official training for the second annual "OC Marathon Presented by PacifiCare" will begin Aug. 6.

The marathon looks to draw runners from around the world and provide a fast and scenic race while supporting 11 children's charities in Orange County. Sponsored by PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. , the race will take place Jan. 8, 2006, and expects to draw 15,000 runners and 50,000 spectators to Orange County. In addition to the marathon, there will also be a half-marathon and a 5K.

The race will benefit children's charities through the nonprofit organization Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). These charities include: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southern California Chapter; CSUF Special Games; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF); Orange County Ronald McDonald House; Olive Crest Abused Children's Foundation; Shortstop; SeaStar School for Neuroeducation; SCAMP (Southern California Asthma Medical Program); United Cerebral Palsy; and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Starting Aug. 6, Cal Coast Track Club and A Snail's Pace Training Program will offer official training at six locations across Southern California. For a list of locations, visit http://www.ocmarathon.com/ or call 949-222-9888. The training will give participants expert coaching that places runners in groups based on ability, a weekly training schedule, social activities and seminars on proper equipment, nutrition and hydration. Training will kick off with an appearance by American running legend Bill Rodgers, who has won both the New York and Boston marathons four times each.

"Orange County is a dream location for a marathon. With beautiful weather and a route that takes you through some of the best scenery, it makes for a truly memorable running experience," said Bill Sumner, director of the marathon and president of Cal Coast Track Club. "And we can help runners of all levels to prepare for this race so they can fully enjoy themselves."

In addition to PacifiCare, which is the presenting sponsor, Ameriquest is a platinum sponsor, and Hoag Hospital, Allergan, Doner Advertising, Latham & Watkins LLP and New Balance are Gold sponsors. Silver sponsors include the Automobile Club of Southern California and Downey Savings. Other sponsors include Talk Radio 790 KABC, Ralphs, Ford and McDonald's.

"Orange County has been PacifiCare's home for than more than 25 years. We are proud to continue our support of the OC Marathon," said James Frey, executive vice president of PacifiCare. "We believe that the Marathon's combination of promoting healthful, active lifestyles and physical fitness, and its support of numerous local children's charities reflects our company theme, 'Caring is good. Doing something is better.'"

Tentatively, the 26.2-mile course will begin at Newport Center, adjacent to Fashion Island, in Newport Beach and wind its way through Irvine to the Greater Irvine Spectrum area. The race should prove to be a fast course with perfect marathon weather conditions, showcasing the history and beauty of Orange County along the way.

"The Board of Supervisors is glad to welcome the OC Marathon back because it is a fun and challenging event that shows the best Orange County has to offer to our residents and visitors alike and supports the good work of almost a dozen local children's charities," said Jim Silva, Orange County Supervisor, 2nd District. "Last year, the OC Marathon helped raise almost $450,000 for charities, both through the race itself and through runner's pledges and other donations."

In addition to the races, the weekend will also offer a Health, Fitness and Nutrition Expo Jan. 6 and 7. Visit http://www.ocmarathon.com/ to sign up as a runner, sponsor or volunteer.

About PacifiCare

PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation's largest consumer health organizations with nearly 3.3 million health plan members and approximately 11.3 million specialty plan members nationwide. PacifiCare offers individuals, employers and Medicare beneficiaries a variety of consumer-driven health care and life insurance products. Specialty plan operations include behavioral health, dental and vision, and complete pharmacy benefit management through its wholly owned subsidiary, Prescription Solutions. More information on PacifiCare Health Systems is available at http://www.pacificare.com/.

"Caring is good. Doing something is better." is a service mark of PacifiCare Health Systems Inc.