Press Release
– Orange County International Triathlon presented by Mazda
Kicks off on Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Mission Viejo –
IRVINE, Calif. (May 18, 2012) – Orange County-based Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has signed on as the title sponsor of the OC Tri Series. The first in a series of events, the Fourth Annual Orange County International Triathlon presented by Mazda featuring the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5, is Orange County’s only Olympic-distance triathlon and takes place this Sunday, May 20, at Lake Mission Viejo in Mission Viejo, Calif.
The OC International Triathlon attracts many of OC’s finest athletes to compete in one of several events, including the OC Aquathon (1500-meter and 2.5-mile open water swims), the OC Duathlon (a combination of running and biking courses) and the OC Triathlon. All events take place side by side on the bike and running courses, which finish at Lake Mission Viejo.
“As an Orange County-based company, Mazda is proud to support a local event that is so important to the community and its athletes,” said John Abel, director of marketing, MNAO. “We hope Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy of exhilarating experiences and the thrill of challenging oneself carries the athletes through to the end.”
OC Tri Series Race Director Bill Leach said, “The OC Tri Series appreciates the support of Mazda as title sponsor. The ‘Better, Stonger, Smarter’ brand represents the essence of our triathletes. As Mazda is known for its youthful design, handling and endurance, we’re proud to have them as our title sponsor.”
As part of the OC Tri Series, the Pacific Coast Triathlon, Aquathlon and Duathlon take place later this summer on September 9 at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, Calif. The Pacific Coast Triathlon is the 2012 USA Triathlon Southwest Regional Sprint Championship. For younger competitors (ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15), the Pacific Coast Triathlon will be part of the Southern California Youth Triathlon Series and will serve as the Series Championship race.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.