Ethos 8K Military Challenge Race and Gran Prix

Ethos Partners with SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation to Launch New Fast-Paced Challenge Races

Civilians and Military Alike Test Their Skills and Enjoy a Day of Celebration and Competition; Kids Try Their Hands on Shorter, Fun-Filled Obstacle Course

Temecula, Calif. – Ethos, a mass participation event organization created to bring athletes together through challenging and unique sporting events, announced two new competitive endurance events in 2012 and a partnership with the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Family Foundation.

On May 19, in Temecula, California, Ethos will push athletes to their limits with two demanding and fast-paced races. The Ethos 8K Challenge Race will test participants’ skills in a fast 8K competition with obstacles and a course designed by former Navy SEALS. Following the Challenge Race, the Ethos Grand Prix will make its debut. This exciting multisport competition features a swim–run–swim–run race format consisting of 400-meter swim around buoys and a 2-mile run on a criterium-style loop course (swim, run repeat) offering excellent spectator viewing.

Throughout the day competitors will also be invited to test their stamina and skills against other elite athletes and members of the military and in a replica of the famous “O-Course” used to train the Navy SEALS for decades.  A shorter, fun-filled obstacle course will be available for kids.

On September 22-23, 2012, the Ethos event will expand to include a triathlon, creating a weekend long endurance festival that will appeal to all types of athletes and their families.

“The past decade of active duty and the recent release of the movie Act of Valor, have given Americans some insight into the countless ways the Navy SEALS protect our country, and how their families make a similar sacrifice for their country,” said Michael O’Neil, president of Ethos, Inc. “We are honored and excited to partner with the NSW Family Foundation, an amazing organization providing NSW Families and SEALS with extremely important family support programs.”

The NSW Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3), California-based non-profit charitable foundation that plays a key role in supporting the NSW individual and families on the West Coast though a broad spectrum of family support programs. The organization is assisting in the design of the Challenge Race course and replica of the “O-Course.” A portion of all proceeds will also be donated to the NSW Family Foundation and presented at the annual Point Loma dinner and auction honoring NSW families on May 19, 2012.

“Ethos is creating an amazing experience for military personnel, their families and civilians alike, while also focusing attention on the tremendous work and sacrifices that the Navy SEALS make for their country and families,” said Craig Irving, founder and chairman of the NSW Family Foundation. “We are privileged to be named the official charity and look forward to seeing how participants fare on these challenging courses in May.”

Vail Lake Resort, location of the Ethos event is a privately owned, 11,000-acre oasis of rolling hills and quiet roads surrounding a pristine lake located just 50 miles east of San Diego and 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The site includes scenic camping spots and RV parking, and for those who prefer a hotel, there are numerous lodging options in nearby Temecula only a few miles away from the race site.

Ethos is committed to putting on one of California’ s most entertaining and well-run events. Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises (DMSE, Inc.), organizers of more than 30 major triathlons, road races and charitable events per year, including the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, will be the event director/producer.

For more information about the Ethos events and to register, please go to http://www.active-ethos.com/.  Discounts are available for members of the military, students and first responders.