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September 16, 2008

NAUTICA MALIBU TRIATHLON, PRESENTED BY TOYOTA PROVIDES A WINNING DAY FOR ALL

Chris McCormack Wins Annual Competition While Event Raises $950,000
for the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (September 14, 2008) – The beautiful Southern California weather wasn’t the only reason to smile as the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, presented by Toyota, again provided some of the world’s biggest athletes, celebrities and philanthropists with a weekend to remember.

In addition to the race, the weekend was highlighted by the numerous celebrities who participated for charity. Emceed by Cindy Crawford, the closing awards ceremony provided a glimpse of Hollywood at its most giving. Jennifer Lopez not only competed in the race – finishing with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, 38 seconds – but raised more than $125,000 for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Also joining her in the Celebrity Division were Matthew McConaughey, Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”), William H. Macy (“Wild Hogs”), Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (“Raising the Bar,” “NYPD Blue”), Jon Cryer (“Two and a Half Men”), Monique Coleman (“High School Musical”), Andy Baldwin (“The Bachelor”), Scott Foley (“The Unit”), Anna Kournikova and more.

Ironman Chris McCormack took home the overall victory, completing the half-mile swim, 18-mile bicycle ride and a four-mile run along the sands of Zuma Beach with a lightning-fast time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, 46 seconds while Andy Baldwin from “The Bachelor” grabbed the top spot in the Celebrity Division.

However, the glory of winning pales in comparison to the kids who helped inspire the race. For the second year racers competed to raise funds for the world-renowned Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. This year’s triathlon raised $950,000 for Childrens Hospital bringing the total for both years to more than $1.5 million.

“The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is much more than a race; it’s a community of individuals committed to improving the world around them,” said Michael Epstein, president, Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP). “Whether individuals are racing to better themselves physically or are racing for a loved one receiving treatment at Childrens Hospital, the experience created by the Triathlon is what makes this event a special Southern California tradition and this year was no exception.”

“Each year the Nautica Malibu Triathlon raises the bar a little bit higher,” said Karen Murray, President of Nautica®. “We’re thrilled to congratulate the winners, but much more than that, we’re truly excited and grateful for the opportunity to help the patients, families and researchers at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles who inspire us to swim, bike and run our hearts out every year.”

Dedicated to curing and preventing childhood cancers, the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides groundbreaking treatments and therapies for some of the most serious and life-threatening pediatric cancers to children everywhere.

“The work done at Childrens Hospital would not be possible without the support of those willing to donate their valuable time and effort,” 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, pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. “We’re truly humbled and thankful to each competitor and to those who made the Nautica Malibu Triathlon possible. We look forward to continuing our research and helping patients and their families return to normal, healthy lives.”

Families, fans and friends of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon also took part in other weekend activities such as the Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot or enjoyed games and prizes at the Fun Zone.

Additional finish times for competitors are available upon request.

About Childrens Hospital Los Angeles:
Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has been treating the most seriously ill and injured children in Los Angeles for more than a century, and it is acknowledged throughout the United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. Childrens Hospital is one of America’s premier teaching hospitals, affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932. It is a national leader in pediatric research.

Since 1990, U.S. News & World Report and its panel of board-certified pediatricians have named Childrens Hospital Los Angeles one of the top pediatric facilities in the nation, and it is ranked among the Top 10 children’s hospitals in the country – and first among the 13 children’s hospitals in California – in the current magazine rankings.

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 235 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.



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