Nearly 40 Former Contestants From NBC's Hit Series 'The Biggest Loser' Reunite at The San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island

SAN FRANCISCO, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 40 stars from NBC's hit series, "The Biggest Loser," will show America how far they've come this July when they reunite at the landmark San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island. Participating in the Triathlon, as well as the new 5K and 10K racing events, former contestants from many different seasons of the popular show will converge in San Francisco July 9-11 to compete. Season nine winner Michael Ventrella, who lost an amazing half of his total body weight, will be joined by thirteen season nine contestants, including finalists Ashley Johnston and Daris George, as they continue the work they started at the Biggest Loser ranch.

Tri-California Events, Inc. will host several opportunities for participants to run alongside their favorite contestants in both the 5K and 10K races, both of which are new to the Treasure Island event this year.  Sherry Johnston and Cheryl George, the mothers and teammates of finalists Ashley and Daris, will lead race participants in the 10K. A mystery guest – one of "The Biggest Loser's" most beloved former contestants – will be announced in the coming weeks as the 5K race leader.

"Even though I won "The Biggest Loser" last month after dropping half my body weight, my journey to maintain a new healthy lifestyle is ongoing," said Ventrella. "It's all about continuing what I learned while on the Biggest Loser ranch, such as exercising with purpose, and participating in events such as the Triathlon at Treasure Island that help me stay on track and keep me motivated."

Ventrella and his fellow season nine finalists will be joined by past season contestants Chris Blackburn, season three; Neill Harmer, season five; and Hollie Self, season four. Closer to race day, more details will be released about additional contestants that will be joining the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island reunion, as well as how race participants can compete alongside their favorites.

"Thanks to NBC's "The Biggest Loser," people across America are realizing that triathlons and road races aren't just for elite athletes," said Terry Davis, president, Tri-California Events. "With our new 5K and 10K races, we are giving people of all fitness levels an opportunity to participate, including those new to the sport who are looking to jump start a healthy lifestyle."

The San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island will feature two days of racing events including an Olympic and Sprint Distance Triathlon and 5K and 10K run, along with a three day Sports Fitness Exposition that draws over 1,000 participants and thousands of cheering spectators from across the country.

This year’s event is generously supported by Galleria Park Hotel, Midi Restaurant, Power Bar, Avia, Polar, First Crush Restaurant and Bar, Aqua Sphere, Sports Basement, Roe and WetSuitRental.com.

A complete race schedule and registration information can be found at www.tricalifornia.com.

Additionally, Tri-California Events is offering special entry fees for children, who can enter the Olympic distance triathlon for $77, and college students, who can enter for just $100. Entry fees for the 5K and 10K distance, where participants race on the same course as triathletes, range from $25 – $45.

For more information on "The Biggest Loser" contestant reunion at Treasure Island, including contestant interviews and access to exclusive press events, please contact Kate Garsson at 310-882-4010 or [email protected].

About Tri-California Events

Tri-California Events is an event management company that produces triathlon and running races throughout California including the Avia Wildflower Triathlons, San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island, San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz, Triathlon at Pacific Grove, and Scott Tinley Adventures. In addition, Tri-California serves as the race production company for the Nike Women's Marathon.

At Tri-California, our goal is to motivate individuals of all ages and fitness levels to lead a healthier lifestyle by "exercising with purpose" and participating in training and racing opportunities in the sport of triathlon and running races. For more information on Tri-California Events and upcoming events, please visit www.tricalifornia.com.

About The Biggest Loser

"The Biggest Loser" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.  The first reality series where everybody "loses," "The Biggest Loser" challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney ("Days of our Lives"), the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "the biggest loser." Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. "The Biggest Loser" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, "The Biggest Loser" has become a worldwide hit appearing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, "The Biggest Loser" has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, "The Biggest Loser" consumer products program has generated over $100 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. "The Biggest Loser" was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age's 2008 Marketing 50. Check out www.biggestloser.com for more information.

SOURCE Tri-California Events