Press release:
HALE’IWA, HI (February 12, 2013) – Awareness and prevention were the ultimate champions at the first ever Xcel Race Against Skin Cancer, as over 100 standup paddlers converged on Waikiki this past weekend to support the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center and the fight against skin cancer.
With near-perfect weather, ideal racing conditions, and plenty of sun protection, the inaugural event attracted racers of all ages and abilities to O’ahu’s iconic Waikiki shoreline for a fun, fast 2.4 mile sprint from Kaimana Beach to Duke Kahanamoku Beach.
Top Men’s finishers included overall first place and Unlimited division winner Ingo Rademacher (18:55), 14′ division winner Kione Dahlin (19:45), and Stock 12’6″ division winner Cody Huf (20:09).
Top Women’s finishers included overall Women’s first place and Unlimited division winner Jenn Lee (22:38), 14′ division winner Jennifer Fratzke (23:27), and Stock 12’6″ division winner Sue Sheard (25:50).
“This was an outstanding first-time event, and we’re incredibly thankful to all the racers, sponsors, and volunteers who came together for this important cause,” says Robin Erb, Xcel Marketing Manager. “Xcel is proud to partner with the UH Cancer Center in the fight against skin cancer, and it’s exciting to see the level of support for this latest initiative of our partnership.”
All event proceeds benefited the UH Cancer Center, who celebrate the grand opening of their new, world-class cancer facility later this month.
“This is an exciting time for the UH Cancer Center,” says Lori Strelow, UH Cancer Center Director of Communications and External Affairs. “We’re thrilled by the success of this event, and thank all those involved for their incredible support.”
Race competitors, spectators, and beachgoers took full advantage of a host of beachside activities that included free skin cancer screenings by the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition, demos by Surftech, Kona Red, and Planet Sun Hawaii, and an awards presentation that culminated in a random drawing for all finishing racers for prizes generously donated by event sponsors.
Presented by the UH Cancer Center, the Xcel Race Against Skin Cancer was made possible through its sponsors, including the Friends of the UH Cancer Center, the Parc Waikiki hotel, C4 Waterman, Surftech, Standup Paddle Magazine, Kona Red, Island Sole, Ty Gurney Surf School, 83 East Video Productions, and Vertra.
As part of the ongoing partnership with the UH Cancer Center, Xcel donates a portion of proceeds of its UV-protective product line to the Xcel Skin Cancer Prevention Fund, managed by the Friends of the UH Cancer Center to underwrite skin cancer awareness, prevention, and educational initiatives.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” adds Marshall Marumoto, Xcel Vice President. “Community feedback has been amazing. It’s incredibly motivating as we continue our efforts to support skin cancer awareness and prevention in Hawai’i and beyond.”
Full race results and more photos can be found at xcelwetsuits.com.
About Xcel
Recognized globally and trusted locally, Xcel is a core wetsuit brand engineering innovative product for all conditions. Founded in 1982 on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawai’i, Xcel draws upon its authentic watersports heritage and technical design expertise to deliver superior quality, construction, and fit. To learn more about Xcel, please visit xcelwetsuits.com.
About the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center
The University of Hawai’i Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center in Hawai’i and the Pacific. The Center’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through research, education, and patient care with an emphasis on the unique ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Hawai’i and the Pacific. To learn more, please visit uhcancercenter.org.
