For Immediate Release

April 16, 2008

Four Time Ironman Champion Chris Lieto wins the First Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:
Vanessa J. Poskanzer
KSVP Media and Events, Inc.
305.604.5787
vanessa@ksvpmedia.com



Four Time Ironman Champion Chris Lieto wins the First Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon

Celebrities, athletes and local competitors raised $80,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital


Miami Beach, FL – On Sunday, April 13, 2008, famous faces and determined athletes met on the sands of Miami Beach to compete in the First Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon, presented by Toyota. Former Ironman Champion, Chris Lieto’s 1:16:15 finishing time for the half-mile swim, 18-mile bike and four-mile run earned him the Nautica title by 45 seconds over runner-up and first-year pro Ben Collins (who finished in 1:17:00). Third place went to current IronMan champion, Chris McCormack who finished at 1:18:57.

In the women’s division the 2002 ITU world champion Leanda Cave took first place with a remarkable 1:27:17 finish. The runner-up was Michelle Garner of Miami who finished in 1:40:09. Besides professional athletes, various celebrities participated including “The Bachelor’s” Andy Baldwin who came in first in the Celebrity Male division (with a finishing time of 1:35:03) and renowned chef Rocco DiSpirito who came in third in the Celebrity Male division (with a finishing time of 2:05:36). Former professional tennis star and model Anna Kournikova, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, and model and pro triathlete Katya Myers took home the gold medal for the Female Celebrity relay team.

The Nautica South Beach Triathlon raised almost $80,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to pediatric cancer research.

For more information or to get the compete results you can log onto www.southbeachtri.com


ABOUT ST. JUDE:
St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility anywhere. Discoveries made have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly. Where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients. Where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay. They have built America's 3rd-largest health-care charity, with a model that keeps the costs down and the funds flowing, so the science never stops. For more information visit www.stjude.org.

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 64 countries with more than 190 Nautica® branded stores worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a world leader in branded apparel, including sportswear, jeanswear, outdoor products, imagewear and contemporary brand products. Its principal brands include Lee®, Wrangler®, John Varvatos®, JanSport®, Eastpak®, The North Face®, Vans®, Napapijri®, Kipling®, Reef®, 7 For All Mankind® and lucy®. 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 presented by Toyota, the Arrowhead Day at the Beach Triathlon presented by Toyota, the Muddy Buddy Ride and Run Series and the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series. 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.


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