MANHATTAN BEACH, CA (June 26) – VBC Multisport LLC is pleased to announce the first-annual Playa Del Rey Triathlon, a benefit for collegiate triathlon that celebrates the city’s cross-town rivalry. Set for October 5, 2008, the Playa Del Rey Triathlon encourages students, alumni, and the community at large to “throw down the gauntlet,” as all proceeds from the event are donated to the UCLA & USC Triathlon Teams. Located at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa Del Rey, competitors will swim 600 meters, bike 20K, and run 5K on one of the flattest and fastest courses in Southern California.

Athletes can look forward to the typically calm surf and clean waters of Dockweiler State Beach. The bike course features wide roads with great pavement and ocean views from the Dockweiler bluffs. The run course is an out-and-back loop along the Dockweiler service road.

“Collegiate triathlon is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of growth,” says Marcus George, owner of VBC Multisport LLC and a founder of the UCLA Triathlon Team. Collegiate teams are introducing a wave of new athletes to the sport, but these students often find the costs overwhelming. The purpose of the Playa Del Rey Triathlon is to raise awareness in the community about how they can support their local collegiate programs as well as provide some needed monetary assistance.”

“Not many people realize that all donations to UCLA Triathlon are tax-deductible, whether that is a cash donation, an old bike, or even a pair of aerobars,” says Sara Painter, president of UCLA Triathlon. “Alumni can purchase our training and racing uniforms or even join in our daily coached workouts. There are so many ways to get involved.”

Entry fees for the Playa Del Rey Triathlon are $75 for individuals and $105 for relay teams. Competitors must register online before September 1st to avoid late-registration fees. Event information is available online at www.playadelreytri.com.

Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring the Playa Del Rey Triathlon should contact Marcus George at marcus@vbcmultisport.com.

VBC Multisport LLC was founded by Marcus George with the mission of producing competitive sporting events that promote and encourage physical fitness, competitive excellence, and public participation in endurance sports. It is the belief of VBC Multisport LLC that we are called to pursue “victory beyond competition”; that those of us who have the opportunity to participate in competitive sports can express the thankfulness for our blessings by serving the needs of the community around us. Marcus has been actively involved in the sport of triathlon as an athlete, coach, race director, and has been a leader in the growth and development of the sport at the collegiate level. Marcus is currently USA Triathlon’s Collegiate Commission Western Region Representative.

Updated 8/17/08 to reflect a change in the name of the event.