For Immediate Release: July 9, 2003
Contact: Drisha Leggitt - Cell (916) 206-2553

30th Annual Eppie’s Great Race Triathlon Times Are Set!

First-Ever New Millennium Team Sets Time For Senior Entrants

Each year prior to “Eppie’s Great Race,” a three-person team that always includes regional businessman Eppie Johnson and two other “celebrity” athletes, “set the pace” for the competitors that participate in the official “Great Race” a few days later. Known as “The Great Team,” Eppie’s pacesetters have included some of the Sacramento’s most respected government official, media representatives, regional business leaders, renowned athletes, local celebrities and “semi-celebrities” throughout The Great Race’s 30-year existence.

Following is the list of times set by the 2003 Eppie’s Great Team, Ironpersons and the New Millennium Team.

The 2003 “Great Team” time to beat is: 2:06:50 set by

Kayaker— Eppie Johnson, Event Founder and Regional Businessman
Biker—Ron Suter, Director of Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space, County of Sacramento
Runner— Gary Pruitt, President of McClatchy Publishing

The 2003 Eppie’s Great Team Ironperson times to beat are:

Ironwoman—2:19:13 set by Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Morning News Anchor, KCRA TV
Ironman—2:09:24 set by Charlie Willard, Co-Race Director

The 2003 New Millennium Team time to beat is 2:44:44 set by

Kayaker— Bill Griffith, age 76
Biker—Dr. Irvin Faria, age 72
Runner— Frank Cirril, age 80

The New Millennium team—three seasoned triathletes whose ages total 228 years—was formed for the first time this year in honor of the 30th anniversary of Eppies Great Race, and in recognition of those athletes over the age of 60 years who participate in the event. On July 19, all teams who finish the Race under the time set by The Great Team; all Ironpersons who finish the Race under the time set by Eppie's Great Team Ironpersons and all individuals age 60 and over who finish under the time set by the New Millennium team will receive complimentary meal coupons from Brookfield's Restaurant. Coupons will be mailed after the race results are mailed.

Eppie’s Great Race first began on July 27, 1974 and has continued annually for 30 years. It is therefore, the oldest, annual triathlon on record. The Great Race has been implemented each year as a fundraising event benefiting programs presented by Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services (SCTRS) that support mentally-and-physically-challenged people. To date, The Great Race has raised more than $600,000 for SCTRS.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Eppie’s Great Race triathlon

Race Date: Saturday, July 19, 2003

Location: American River Parkway, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento

Distances: 5.82 Mile Run, 12.5 Mile Cycle, 6.35 Mile Paddle

Start Times
7:58 a.m. - Adaptive Divisions
8:00 a.m. - Ironpersons & all other teams

For more information visit The Great Race web site at: http://www.thegreatrace.org