Media
For Immediate Release: June 21, 2006
Contacts: Kyle du Ford; 720.771.4082 or pr@phillytri.com
50-50-50 COMES TO PHILADELPHIA INSURANCE TRIATHLON
Man makes the Philly Tri #29 on his list
PHILADELPHIA (June 21, 2006) – Completing one triathlon is a grueling task. Imagine completing one triathlon in each of the 50 United States, all by the time you turn 50. That’s the challenge taken on by triathlete Dave Mandelkern, who will be competing in the 2006 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon in Fairmount Park this Sunday. The Pennsylvania stop will officially be the 29th state on his way to completing a triathlon in all 50 states by his 50th birthday in August 2009.
“I completed my first triathlon in 2000 at age 41,” said Mandelkern. “I got hooked on the sport not only for the health and fitness benefits, but also because I’m able to turn my willingness to complete an endurance athletic event into an opportunity to benefit others.”
The 50x50x50 Challenge is more than a never-been-done-before athletic accomplishment; it is also an effort to raise $150,000 for three important charities. Mandelkern’s goal is to raise $1000 from individuals in each state where he competes, and then have his corporate sponsors match those donations two dollars for every dollar donated by an individual, resulting in donations of $50,000 each to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Challenged Athletes Foundation, and World T.E.A.M. Sports. 100% of all money raised goes directly to the three charities. Mr. Mandelkern personally pays for the race, travel and administrative expenses of the 50x50x50 Challenge.
“Beyond raising money for three worthy organizations, I hope that my 50 races in 50 states will capture the imagination of other ordinary people like me,” said Mandelkern, “and encourage them to challenge themselves physically regardless of their previous athletic background.”
“We are honored that Dave has selected our race as the Pennsylvania stop on his 50x50x50 Challenge,” said Lars Beck Race Director for the 2006 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon. “Every one of our participants makes an incredible commitment to train for and compete in a triathlon, but to attempt to complete a triathlon in each of the 50 United States is truly remarkable.”
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About the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon
The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon was founded in 2005 and is one of the largest triathlons in the country and is held in the city's historic Fairmount Park, in and around the Schuylkill River and the Art Museum. This year's triathlons will include 3,000 athletes racing on June 24-25, 2006 in the sprint, kids or sold-out Olympic-distance, which includes some of the world's top professionals. The race will raise an estimated $1 million for the two official race charities, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Oncology department and the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia, and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through its Team In Training program. In addition to Philadelphia Insurance Companies and Accenture, sponsors to-date include: Cadence Cycling & Multisport Centers, Endless Pools, Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories, UnitedHeatlthcare, Sorbothane Insoles, Penguin Sports Wash, AXA Financial Protection and Karr Barth Associates, Gatorade, Philadelphia Inquirer, Triathlete Magazine, Wissahickon Mountain Spring Water, Comcast, GU Sports, Great Harvest Bread Company, Winnie’s Le Bus in Manayunk, Healthplex Sports Medicine Institute, Zoot Sports, REI, Savran Bensen Certified Public Accountants and Kildare’s Pub in Manayunk. More information about the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon can be found by visiting www.PhillyTri.com or by contacting pr@phillytri.com.
