Kaiser Permanente Becomes Presenting Sponsor for Pasaden...( Healthcare leader continues support o...),Health

Healthcare leader continues support of activities fostering total health in

communities it serves

PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente and Pasadena Forward, a Pasadena-based nonprofit organization, today announced that Kaiser Permanente has signed as Presenting Sponsor of the 2008 Pasadena Marathon. The inaugural race, calendared for Sunday, November 16, 2008, is the flagship event for Pasadena Forward.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California, whose corporate headquarters is located in Pasadena, serves 3.3 million members and is the largest private employer in Los Angeles County. Based in Oakland, California, Kaiser Permanente is one of America's leading nonprofit integrated health plans, serving approximately 8.2 million people in nine states and the District of Columbia.

Dr. Benjamin Chu, President of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, said, "This fitness and social event is a fitting forum to communicate our fundamental message: the importance of total health -- physical, emotional, and spiritual. We want to help spread health to our members and everyone else in the communities we serve. Join us in this purposeful and fun kick-off of the Pasadena Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente."

Race organizers concur that a partnership between the Pasadena Marathon and Kaiser Permanente is an ideal marriage.

"I'm delighted that Kaiser Permanente joins us in bringing this exciting event to Pasadena - it's a perfect match," said Israel Estrada, Executive Director of Pasadena Forward. "Together, we'll showcase the best of our city, promoting health and fitness within our community and throughout the country."

Those interested in participating in the Pasadena Marathon are encouraged to register prior to Monday, September 1, when fees are slated to increase. Additional information about the Pasadena Marathon can be found on the Internet at '/>"/>