Ethos, the new race organization that combines competitive racing and live music from popular bands to create ‘one-of-a-kind endurance festivals’ has confirmed that the Boston Marathon’s Dave McGillivray has been named its Race Director. Meanwhile, acclaimed Latin, hip hop and rock band Ozomatli will headline the inaugural 19 May Ethos event in Temecula, California.
DMSE
Ethos has selected Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises, also known as DMSE Sports, a leader in sports event management, to produce two new multisport races. Taking place on 19 May and 22-23 September 2012, both events will be held at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, California, and benefit the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Family Foundation.
“Ethos has created two unique events to bring athletes together, offer a challenge, and raise money to help the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation’s efforts to support the individuals and families who are part Naval Special Warfare Community,” said Dave McGillivray, founder of DMSE Sports. “It has been a long time since DMSE has played in the multisport space and we are excited to be a part of the upcoming events and contribute our expertise.”
On 19 May, Ethos will debut the Grand Prix, a spectator-friendly ‘swim-run-repeat’ event that consists of a 400m swim, 2-mile run, and a repeat of both legs. Additionally, Ethos will introduce an 8K obstacle course Challenge Race designed by former SEALS.
Catered food, a headlining band, camping options, and a shorter, fun-filled obstacle course for kids make the event family-friendly and contribute to its festival atmosphere.
On 22-23 September, the Ethos event will expand to include a triathlon, creating a weekend long endurance festival designed to appeal to all types of athletes and their families.
Michael O’Neil, President of Ethos, welcomed DMSE Sports, saying, “We have set the bar high for ourselves to produce the most entertaining and well-run events in California, as well as raise funds for the NSW Family Foundation. With Dave and DMSE on board, I’m confident that these events will hit the mark.”
These additions to DMSE’s 2012 calendar mark a return to founder McGillivray’s roots in multisport. Inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall-of-Fame in 2011, McGillivray has long history in the sport of triathlon having previously created the New England Triathlon Series in 1984, one of the first triathlon series in the US.
DMSE Sports has also previously directed at least 150 triathlons including the second-ever ITU World Championship in 1990 in Orlando, Florida, and the 1998 Goodwill Games Triathlon Games in New York City.
Ozomatli
Acclaimed band Ozomatli will headline the inaugural Ethos event on 19 May in Temecula, California. Winners of a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from being hometown heroes to serving as US State Department Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East.
Ozomatli combines a wide array of musical styles including Latin, hip hop, salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap and more, and has long been a favourite of international audiences playing everywhere from Japan to North Africa and Australia. Ozomatli will play at the Ethos post-race music festival on Saturday afternoon.
Athletes registered for any of the 19 May Ethos races receive free entry to the Ozomatli show, and guests of racers can attend the post-race music festival for only US$10 at www.active-ethos.com/register.
“As a lifelong endurance athlete and music lover, I’ve always envisioned a weekend that combined two passions that are enjoyed by countless athletes like myself,” said Ethos President Michael O’Neil. “With our Ethos endurance festivals, we want to shake up and expand upon the traditional multisport race by creating a weekend long experience that will be enjoyed by not only athletes, but also their friends and families.”
Vail Lake Resort 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.
Event discounts to both Ethos events are also available for members of the military, students and first responders.
