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                               PASADENA FORWARD ANNOUNCES KAISER PERMANENTE AS 2010 PASADENA MARATHON PRESENTING SPONSOR


Pasadena, Calif. (August 26, 2009) -- Kaiser Permanente and Pasadena Forward, a Pasadena-based nonprofit organization, announced today that Kaiser Permanente has signed on as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Pasadena Marathon.  The race, scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2010, 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 inLos Angeles County.  Based in Oakland, California, Kaiser Permanente is one of America’s leading nonprofit integrated health plans, serving approximately 8.6 million people in nine states and the District of Columbia.

Kaiser Permanente was the presenting sponsor of the Inaugural 2008 and Redux 2009 Pasadena Marathon.

“We were pleased to sponsor the kick-off year and are delighted to sponsor year two," said Benjamin Chu, MD, MPH, President of Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region. "Last year’s turnout was great, and I encourage everyone to sign up and make 2010 even bigger.  Have your family and friends join you; they can stay healthy and have fun at the same time.  It's activities like the Pasadena Marathon that help people thrive.”   

“I’m very pleased Kaiser Permanente joins us in bringing this highly anticipated event to Pasadena again,” said Israel Estrada, Executive Director of Pasadena Forward.  “This is a great partnership and we look forward to working together again, promoting health and fitness in our community and worldwide while showcasing the beautiful and historic city of Pasadena.”

Those interested in participating in the 2010 Pasadena Marathon are encouraged to register prior to Monday, September 7, when fees are slated to increase.  Additional information about the Pasadena Marathon can be found at www.pasadenamarathon.org.

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About Pasadena Forward—Pasadena Forward was founded in 2004 by Executive Director Israel Estrada.  The organization’s mission is to promote enhanced quality of life for those working, living, or attending school in the Pasadena area.  Pasadena Forward aims to have a broad impact on the nonprofit community’s ability to deliver services by offering financial and logistical support to civic and charitable agencies.  The Pasadena Marathon is a fundraiser to further the mission of Pasadena Forward and includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Bike Tour, and 3.1-mile Fun Run/Walk.  For more information, visit pasadenamarathon.org.

About Kaiser Permanente—Kaiser Permanente is shaping the future of health care.  We are America’s leading health care provider and not-for-profit health plan.  Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. Care for our members is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers.  Over 6,800 physicians with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group and nearly 58,000 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers serve the health care needs of 3.3 million members in Southern California. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management.  Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health.  For more information, visit www.kp.org/newscenter.