NATHAN'S JULY 4 EVENT INFO

FOR MEDIA CREDENTIALS CONTACT ALEXIS SCHNEIDER AT 212-352-8651</> or aschneider@sheacommunications.com

4-Time World Champion Joey Chestnut Strives for Five Sonya ‘The Black Widow’ Thomas Headlines First-Ever Women’s Championship

WHO & WHAT: The greatest competitive eaters on earth will gather on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island on Monday, July 4, 2011 to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, an event that has been held each year since 1916, according to archives.

In front of a crowd of nearly 40,000 fans, reigning four-time Nathan’s Famous Champion Joey Chestnut – the number-one-ranked eater in the world – will strive for his fifth title and to break his own world record of 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Two eaters representing China will attempt to capture a celebrated American symbol – The Mustard Yellow International Belt – and bring it home to Beijing.

The first-ever Women’s Hot Dog Eating World Championship, featuring 105 pound Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas – the female world record holder with 41 hot dogs and buns – will take place just prior to the Men’s competition. Four of the female competitors ate more than 20 hot dogs and buns to qualify for the championship.

The contest is free and open to the public. The contest pre-show begins at 10 a.m. with Motown band, Xclusive with Sonni Dey, followed by varied entertainment, including the world-renowned Skyriders trampoline performers.

At 11:30 a.m. female competitors will be introduced and the Women’s Hot Dog Eating Championship will occur. At 12 p.m. male competitors are introduced and the Men’s Hot Dog Eating Championship is conducted. ESPN has exclusive rights to broadcast live from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All media is welcome and eaters will provide interviews following the contest.

Directions: Subway: D, F, N or Q to Stillwell Avenue terminal Car: Belt Parkway to Exit 6--Cropsey Ave. Right on Cropsey Ave., left on Surf Ave.

WHERE: Nathan’s Famous Restaurant 1310 Surf Avenue (corner of Stillwell Avenue) Coney Island, Brooklyn

WHEN:: Monday, July 4, 2011

TIME: 10:00 a.m. Pre-contest entertainment 11:30 a.m. Women’s Hot Dog Eating World Championship (watch exclusively on ESPN3.com 12:00 p.m. Men’s Hot Dog Eating World Championship

More information at www.facebook.com/eatfast or on twitter @eatingcontest.