Press Release

U.S. Elite Triathletes Welcome Competitors From the Americas, Caribbean

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (May 5, 2009) - Elite athletes from the Americas and Caribbean nations will gather in the heartland of the United States for the 2009 ITU Pan American Triathlon Confederation Championships in Oklahoma City, Okla., on May 16.

The elite draft-legal Olympic distance championship races are part of the weekend of activities at the Boathouse International Triathlon. Sprint distance junior and age group races are also on the schedule. A total prize purse of $30,000 will be awarded in the elite division.

The race also kicks off the five-race USA Triathlon Twenty-12 Elite Series, the first year in a build up to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"This is a great opportunity for athletes from all of the PATCO countries to come together and compete and form new friendships," said USA Triathlon Sport Performance Director Scott Schnitzspahn. "We look forward to hosting this event where PATCO athletes can earn valuable points for the ITU World Cup and World Championship Series entries down the line."  

The participant list for U.S. athletes includes several from the USAT National Teams program, including Sara McLarty, Julie Ertel, Jasmine Oeinck, Becky Lavelle, Jillian Petersen, Hunter Kemper, Matt Reed, Brian Fleischmann, Ethan Brown, Matt Chrabot, and Tim O'Donnell. Petersen and Chrabot are the defending PATCO champions. The junior races will feature some of the top up-and-coming U.S. and international competitors.

The U.S. athletes will serve as proud hosts to athletes from Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and other Pan American countries.

The race begins off the docks of Chesapeake Boathouse with a one lap, 1.5k swim in the Oklahoma Rivers. Athletes will then bike 40k, four laps north and south up Lincoln Boulevard circling the Oklahoma State Capitol. The race ends with a 10k, four lap run along the River Trails west of the Boathouse.

The Oklahoma River

More than $56 million was spent to create what is now known as the Oklahoma River. Completed in 2004, the seven miles of river offers one of the best aquatic sports venues in the country. Since its conception, the Oklahoma River has hosted international Olympians in the USA Rowing World Challenge and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Flatwater Sprint.

Find out more about the venue.

About the Twenty-12 Elite Series

The Series follows the highly successful four-year Haul to the Great Wall Series. Twenty-12 will give triathlon fans a chance to see athletes who are looking to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games. The series will include U.S. and international competitors, some who have competed in past Olympic Games and others who are beginning to make names for themselves on the international triathlon circuit.

2009 Twenty-12 Series Race Schedule

Boathouse International Triathlon

Location: Oklahoma City, Okla.

Date: May 16

Prize Purse: $30,000

Details: PATCO Championship

CapTexTri

Location: Austin, Texas

Date: May 25

Prize Purse: $10,000

Hy-Vee Triathlon

Date: June 27

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Prize Purse: $1,000,000

San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island

Date: July 11

Location: San Francisco, Calif.

Prize Purse: $20,000

Elite and U23 National Championship

Date: August 22

Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Prize Money: $30,000

About USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,500 races and connects with more than 115,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.

• The Hospice of Kona will receive gear and apparel for Camp Erin, a bereavement retreat for children who have lost a parent or sibling.
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• PATH, striving to promote active living in a healthy community, will be acquiring a cargo van for use with camps and clinics that promote a bicycle education program to local families.
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• Kamakana Children's Playground, located at Higashihara Park was created in 1997 and is in desperate need of repair. The children's area is now being refurbished and will include 2,200 sq. ft. playground.
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For immediate release

March, 2009 -- World Triathlon Corporation is pleased to announce that select Ironman 70.3 races will feature entry spots for Ironman events in North America.

In addition, Ironman Community Foundation slots are still available for Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene , Ford Ironman Lake Placid , Subaru Ironman Canada , Ford Ironman Louisville , Ford Ironman Wisconsin , Ford Ironman Florida and Ford Ironman Arizona . All of these events have already reached capacity and are closed to general entry for 2009.

At this year's Ironman 70.3 California, Ironman 70.3 Florida, Ironman 70.3 Hawaii and Ironman 70.3 Boise there will be 25 entries available to participating athletes for Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene, Subaru Ironman Canada, Ford Ironman Louisville, Ford Ironman Wisconsin, Ford Ironman Florida and Ford Ironman Arizona. 

Additionally, each of the events will encompass 50 entry slots for the 2009 Ford Ironman Lake Placid. Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island will have the same number of entry slots to all events except Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

There are a limited number of general entry slots available to Ironman 70.3 Florida, Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, Ironman 70.3 Boise and Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island. 

Ironman Community Foundation Slots are available for all Ironman events in the U.S. and Canada. The number of remaining slots can be found on the Community Fund homepage . 

Funds raised from Ironman Community Foundation Slots are directed to The Ironman Foundation, offering contributions to local and national organizations. Since its inception in 2001, The Ironman Foundation has distributed more than $3.5 million to community groups and various non-profit organizations.

For all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 details, visit www.ironman.com .  Athlete-related inquiries can be directed to Brittany Dunning at Brittany@ironman.com.

March 3, 2009 (Tampa, FL) -- World Triathlon Corporation, owner of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 brands, announces the launch of the Ironman Executive Challenge (XC). 

The program targets top-level executives and provides its members with the opportunity to compete at the following sold-out events in 2009: Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene, Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman Germany, Ford Ironman Lake Placid, Ford Ironman Louisville, Ford Ironman World Championship (by qualification only) and Ford Ironman Arizona.

The mission of the Ironman Executive Challenge (XC) is to provide the ultimate Ironman experience for the world's top business leaders. This exclusive, member's-only program offers privileges such as guaranteed entry into select Ironman events, VIP treatment for athletes and their families, first-class accommodations, personalized coaching, interaction with Ironman icons and much more. Members of Ironman XC will also have the opportunity to win multiple coveted slots to the renowned Ford Ironman World Championship, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. 

"We are pleased to announce this new program, one that showcases the synergies of today's most passionate business leaders and the unique qualities of Ironman. We look forward to providing a group of select athletes with a one-of-a-kind experience, while allowing them with the opportunity to compete among their peers at the world's most challenging endurance event," said Ironman Executive Challenge Director, Troy Ford.

To kick-off the program's inaugural year, all participating members of Ironman XC will be eligible for the Kona Personal Record (PR) Challenge. One Ford Ironman World Championship slot will be awarded at each event to the athlete who has most significantly improved his or her PR time. 

Additionally, Ironman will establish customized age divisions at each event to determine distribution of Ford Ironman World Championship slots. Every group will be allocated with one World Championship slot and it will be awarded to the winner of each age group. If a particular age group exceeds five XC Series participants, an additional slot will be added, totaling two for that group, and a second slot will be awarded to the second place finisher within that age group. Each event within the XC Series will award a minimum of two Ford Ironman World Championship slots (in addition to the Kona PR Challenge slot). 

XC Series' athletes awarded a Ford Ironman World Championship slot through standard qualifying procedures are ineligible for the aforementioned programs. World Championship slots are non-transferable and may not be deferred to another year. Athletes who are awarded slots to Kona must participate in the XC Series' Ford Ironman World Championship package and compete for title of Ironman XC Series' Athlete of the Year.

Click here to submit an application for membership to the Ironman Executive Challenge (XC). To learn more, visit IronmanXC.com or contact Troy Ford at Troy@ironman.com.

Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO -- The ING Bay to Breakers and San Francisco police and City officials have announced several new policies that will be enforced to improve the safety and enjoyment of the race for runners, spectators and neighbors during this year's 98th running of the ING Bay to Breakers on Sunday, May 17.

"We have listened closely to concerns from race participants, residents along the race course, and civic leaders. In response to safety, logistical and trash issues, we are instituting new policies in cooperation with the San Francisco Police Department and City officials," said Angela Fang, general manager of the race.

"The ING Bay to Breakers is about promoting community, physical fitness, and giving athletes and fitness enthusiasts the chance to compete in and enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenic footraces in the world. We're still focused on the fun, vitality and unique culture of the race - we're just removing the alcohol and the hazards. We feel that these changes will enhance the race experience for all involved," Fang added.

The following changes have been made to the 98th ING Bay to Breakers, as well as future races:

• Zero tolerance policy on alcohol. Anyone openly drinking alcohol or displaying public drunkenness will be subject to fines and prosecution.

• All wheeled objects and floats are prohibited. Inappropriate equipment on the streets is dangerous and can prevent runners and walkers from completing the race in a timely manner.

• Leave no footprint. Additional dumpsters will be placed along the course for trash.

"We are all working together to enforce these new zero tolerance policies," said Jim Lynch, assistant chief of the San Francisco Police Department. "We want to ensure that the 2009 ING Bay to Breakers is a safe and enjoyable event for everyone - race participants, families, residents and spectators included."

"The North Panhandle Neighborhood Association is supportive of the ING Bay to Breakers race instituting a zero tolerance policy for alcohol possession and public drinking. We want to see the race get back to its roots and focus on the sport of running, the celebration of San Francisco's diversity and the spirit of community. In recent years, the level of alcohol consumption has overpowered the event and made the race displeasing for the neighborhoods through which it runs," said Kevin Rafter, president of the association.

Fang called the ING Bay to Breakers race "a celebration of the unique spirit of San Francisco. Thousands of costumed participants, families and neighborhood residents from diverse communities come to cheer on professional and recreational runners and walkers," she said. "In keeping with both the integrity of the athletic competition and the fun, welcoming spirit of the race, we ask that participants and spectators respect the race route and the communities along the race course. This means leaving alcohol and wheeled floats at home, and putting trash and recyclables in their proper place."

In further support of the community, ING Bay to Breakers pays the City of San Francisco several hundred thousand dollars in fees, generates millions of dollars in travel and tourism and creates hundreds of event-related jobs for local community youth groups and schools. The race also makes significant contributions to a number of local charities.

The race draws approximately 65,000 participants and 100,000 spectators to San Francisco. The ING Bay to Breakers 12K was recently named by ESPN as one of the "101 things all sports fans must experience before they die," and already more than 6,000 registrants have signed up for the May 17 race. Fang assures that by adopting these new measures, "we are ensuring that runners, walkers and spectators enjoy a safe, fun event."

About ING Bay to Breakers 12K

Now in its 98th year, the ING Bay to Breakers 12K, a Running USA Founding Member, is one of the world's largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, California. The name reflects the course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of downtown San Francisco, near The Embarcadero (the "bay" side of the city), to the west end of the city and the "breakers" of Ocean Beach. The 7.46 mile (12 kilometer) race features world-class athletes in addition to costumed runners and "fun-loving" folks out for a great day of running and walking through San Francisco. For more information, visit: INGbaytobreakers.com

PRESS RELEASE

Clif Bar & Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF and LUNA Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

BERKELEY, Calif., January 19, 2009 -- Clif Bar & Company today announced a voluntary recall of CLIF and LUNA branded bars that contain peanut butter because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products contain peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter.

In the U.S., the following Clif Bar & Company products with "Best By/Sell By" dates ranging as shown below, in all sizes and packages, are included in the recall:

CLIF BAR Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch

BEST BY/SELL BY:

       21JUN09 to 01OCT09 and

       03NOV09 to 28NOV09

CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter

BEST BY/SELL BY:

       21JUN09 to 01OCT09 and

       03NOV09 to 28NOV09

CLIF BAR Peanut Toffee Buzz

BEST BY/SELL BY:

       13SEP09

CLIF Builder's Peanut Butter

SELL BY:

       19JUL09 to 30SEP09 and

       05NOV09 to 18NOV09

CLIF Kid Organic ZBaR Peanut Butter

BEST BY:

       07JUL09 to 05SEP09 and

       12NOV09

LUNA Nutz Over Chocolate

BEST BY:

       29JUL09 to 03OCT09 and

       11NOV09 to 14NOV09

LUNA Peanut Butter Cookie

BEST BY:

       02OCT09 to 03OCT09 and

       11NOV09 to 14NOV09

MOJO Honey Roasted Peanut

BEST BY:

       30APR09 to 21JUN09

MOJO Mixed Nuts

BEST BY:

       30APR09 to 21JUN09

MOJO Mountain Mix

BEST BY:

       30APR09 to 21JUN09

MOJO Peanut Butter Pretzel

BEST BY:

       30APR09 to 21JUN09

MOJO Dipped Chocolate Peanut

BEST BY:

       30APR09 - 21JUN09

MOJO Dipped Peanut Butter and Jelly

BEST BY:

       30APR09 - 21JUN09

MOJO Dipped Fruit and Nut

BEST BY:

       30APR09 - 21JUN09

These products were sold in grocery, warehouse and other retail stores throughout the United States. No other CLIF or LUNA products or flavors are included in this United States recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy them but retain the "Best By/Sell By" code found on the back of the package. Consumers with questions or who would like a refund may contact Clif Bar & Company at 1-800-CLIFBAR (1-800-254-3227). Details also can be found at www.clifbar.com.

"With an abundance of caution and given the FDA's ongoing investigation of PCA, we're doing all we can to ensure consumer safety and trust," said Gary Erickson, owner and founder of Clif Bar & Company.

About Clif Bar & Company

Clif Bar & Company is a leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks, including the CLIF BAR energy bar and LUNA, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women. Focused on great food and sustainability, Clif Bar & Company works diligently to reduce its footprint on the planet from the field to the final product.

The FDA has created a searchable list of other products affected by the peanut butter recall.

###

The following four CLIF products distributed in Canada with "Expiry Date/Date d'Expiration" dates and/or ranges of dates as shown below, in all sizes and packages, are included in the recall:

CLIF BAR Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch / Brisures de Chocolat aux Arachides Croquants

EXPIRY DATE/DATE D'EXPIRATION:

       2009SE07

CLIF BAR Crunchy Peanut Butter / Beurre d' Arachide Croquant

EXPIRY DATE/DATE D'EXPIRATION:

       2009SE06 to 2009SE11 and

       2009NO13

CLIF BAR Peanut Toffee Buzz / Toffee et Arachides

EXPIRY DATE/DATE D'EXPIRATION:

       2009SE12

CLIF Builder's Peanut Butter / Beurre d'Arachide

EXPIRY DATE/DATE D'EXPIRATION:

       2009JU20 and

       2009AU20

These products were sold in grocery, warehouse and other retail stores throughout Canada. No other CLIF or LUNA products or flavors are included in this recall in Canada.

Kids And Adults Worldwide To  Virtually Run And Walk With Man Through Alaska

A 44-year-old  husband, father of four and ultra-endurance athlete pushing a  jogging stroller of gear will virtually trek with thousands of children  and adults  worldwide over a 500-mile course through the rugged terrain of Alaska  between April 20 and May 12, 2009. Paul  Staso accomplished a 3,260-mile solo run across the United States in  2006 and a 620-mile solo run across Montana in 2008  ─  virtually trekking with teams of children using his unique approach to  promoting youth health and fitness. Now he's heading as far north as  the Arctic Circle and for the first time will virtually bring  adults along on his journey.

"The Alaska journey, called P.A.C.E. Trek 2009, is my way of trying  to make an impact in the childhood obesity issue and the continuing  decline of youth health and fitness," Staso says. "The  journey through Alaska will require me to average 30 miles per day  as I encounter some rugged and breathtaking terrain.  I'll be virtually traveling with teams of children and adults from around the world as  they access my web sites, pacetrek.com and stepthere.com, and learn about the  locations we're trekking through via my writings, pictures and media  files."

In May 2008 Staso accomplished the inaugural P.A.C.E. Trek by  virtually bringing  children with him across the state of Montana. Through rain, wind, heat and  snow Staso persevered across Montana, averaging 31 miles per day for  20 days during the east-to-west run. There were 108 teams of children (8,000+ runners and  walkers) globally following along with him and cumulatively those teams logged  over 42,000 miles during the trek. P.A.C.E. is an acronym for  Promoting Active Children Everywhere and that is what Staso  aims to achieve through his endeavors.

"Since I completed my 108 days of running coast-to-coast across  America, I've had opportunities to speak to many audiences about the  purpose of P.A.C.E. and what I believe needs to be done to turn the tide on  the growing epidemic of childhood obesity," Staso says. "Kids  need to see that if you take care of your body it can take you on  some wonderful adventures    ─  far more satisfying than staring at a television or computer for  hours on end. By the reactions I receive from children,  I know that my message and endurance journeys intrigue many."

Staso, a former 5th grade teacher, has developed an extensive web  site at www.pacetrek.com so teachers and students from  kindergarten through 12th grade can be involved in the trek. There  is no cost to register a P.A.C.E. Trek team and teachers can  sign up a team at pacetrek.com. For the 2009 endeavor Staso decided  that it was time for adults to get involved in the virtual journeys.  Therefore, adults can register teams for free via stepthere.com. Staso, who  organizes and funds much of the endurance journeys himself, intends to do  the treks annually in different locations  ─ as long as  his body holds up.   

"We've set it up so that teachers will have everything needed at  the pacetrek.com web site and it would not take any more than 10  minutes per day for 17 school days. That's a commitment of less than  3 hours total," Staso says. "Last year we had teams reaching  from Germany to Georgia; Malaysia to Maine; Australia to Alaska;  Italy to Iowa... and so many places in between. I'm very excited to  also offer an opportunity to parents and non-parents to get involved  through stepthere.com."

Once again Staso will push a jogging stroller to carry essential  equipment, including: food, water, GPS, running gear, and more  ─ even a solar panel for charging electronic gadgets. Lodging  will be arranged before the journey begins.

Staso grew up in Alaska, attending such schools as Eagle River  Elementary; Gruening Middle School; Chugiak High School; and,  Juneau-Douglas High School - from which he graduated in 1983. Montana has been  Staso's home for the past 25 years. He is committed to doing what he  can to inspire, educate and motivate children and adults toward greater health and fitness. Staso also wants  people to set personal goals and reach for their dreams. As  he says, "Your dreams are beyond the horizon, and you have to  persevere to the horizon in order to realize those dreams."

When  not on the road, Staso develops virtual trek  curriculums which many schools have either adopted or imitated,  including a Run/Walk Across America trek (seeusrun.com)  and a fitness journey along historic Route 66 (kids66.com).  He also develops corporate web sites and provides Internet marketing  services through OnTrack Designs.

Staso is asking all who hear about his latest endeavor, P.A.C.E.  Trek 2009 (and the adult challenge called S.T.E.P. There), to share the  upcoming 2009 Alaska trek with as many people as possible. "The Alaska adventure will be a  fun, educational trek for all involved,  regardless of age or where they're located," Staso says. "Since it's  a free and unique opportunity I particularly hope that school teachers and  coaches will sign up student teams and support the aim of getting kids up,  moving and learning."

You can learn more about P.A.C.E. Trek 2009 at pacetrek.com,  and the adult challenge at stepthere.com. You can also  experience Staso's 2006 solo run across America online at pacerun.com,  and his 2008 solo run across Montana at pacetrek.com/montana.