Elite Field of Professional Triathletes to Headline Leadman Triathlon Life Time EPIC 250 in Las Vegas

Inaugural event on May 14 attracts some of the biggest names in sport of triathlon with new 250-kilometer ultra-distance category

CHANHASSEN, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM), the Healthy Way of Life Company, today announced that some of the greatest names in triathlon will compete in the Leadman Triathlon Life Time EPIC 250 (Leadman EPIC 250) May 14 in Las Vegas.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the first group to experience this new breed of event in long course racing," said Hillary Biscay, 2008 Ironman Wisconsin Champion and the first person to record six top-five Ironman finishes in one season. "I've dreamed of an event with a long swim and distance longer than Ironman that I could add to my calendar without it wreaking havoc on the rest of my schedule, and I have that with the Leadman EPIC 250. Plus, I am familiar with the race venue and know how beautiful and challenging the course is; I cannot wait for this race!"

Professional triathletes scheduled to compete in the event's inaugural field include:

Women

    --  Hillary Biscay (USA)
    --  Marilyn McDonald (USA)
    --  Angela Neath (CAN)
    --  Tara Norton (CAN)

Men

    --  Kevin Everett (USA)
    --  Matt Lieto (USA)
    --  Jordan Rapp (USA)
    --  Cesar Valera (VEN)

"I am looking forward to being a part of this interesting event in its first carnation," said Matt Lieto, a proven Ironman and Xterra competitor who currently holds the bike course record in an Ironman 70.3. "As a competitor, I can take advantages of my strengths in the sport with a long swim and bike. Despite its short distance, the run also looks to be extremely challenging since we likely won't be running until seven hours into the event. To me, triathlon has always been about the challenge and I think Leadman will deliver a new and unique contest for all that participate."

Truly unique, the Leadman EPIC 250 event offers an ultra-distance triathlon platform, including a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) swim, 223-kilometer (140-mile) bike and 22-kilometer (13.7-mile) run. Both professionals and amateurs will swim in the shadow of Dead Man's Island, bike through the Valley of Fire State Park and run on a picturesque trail that was once the bed for the train rails for that carried the men and materials to build the Hoover Dam. The course also features more than 7,000 feet of climbing and a peak elevation of 2,600 feet in historic Boulder City.

In addition to the full Leadman 250-kilometer distance, a Half Leadman course featuring a 2.5-kilometer (1.5-mile) swim, 112-kilometer (70-mile) bike and 22-kilometer (13.7-mile) run. Or, teams of three can participate in the full Leadman EPIC 250 course as a relay.

For more information on the Leadman EPIC 250, including qualification requirements, visit www.leadmantri.com. Athlete inquiries should be directed to racedirector@leadmantri.com, while all media-related inquiries should be directed to kleinberger@lifetimefitness.com or 952-229-7162.

About Life Time Fitness, Inc.

As the Healthy Way of Life Company, Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM) delivers the certified professionals, comprehensive businesses and incredible destinations that help people positively change their lives every day. The Company's healthy way of life approach enables its customers to achieve their health and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of interest - or discovering new passions - both inside and outside of Life Time's distinctive and large sports, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations. As of March 29, 2011, the Company operated 90 centers under the LIFE TIME FITNESS^(R) and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC^SM brands primarily in suburban locations in 20 states and 24 major markets. Additional information about Life Time centers, programs and services is available at lifetimefitness.com.

Ironman and Half Ironman, Ironman Triathlon and Half Ironman Triathlon are registered trademarks of the World Triathlon Corporation, and are not sponsored by, related to, or affiliated with Life Time Fitness, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

    Source: Life Time Fitness, Inc.

Released March 29, 2011