DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Janus Capital Group Inc. (NYSE: JNS) today announced that the 254 Ironman triathletes who participated in the 2009 Janus Charity Challenge raised $6.8 million for 218 charitable organizations.

The Ironman is a daunting physical and mental endeavor for endurance athletes. Racers must complete a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run in less than 17 hours to earn the title of Ironman. Simply crossing the finish line is a considerable achievement. For some Ironman athletes, the race is about more than the athletic challenge, it's about giving back.

The top fundraiser for 2009 was Jim Yanoschik of Murietta, CA. At Ironman Coeur d'Alene, he raised $1.56 million for Rotoplast International, a non-profit humanitarian organization providing free reconstructive operations and treatment for children in need worldwide. "When I talk with other Janus Charity Challenge participants, they all have a wonderful story of how they got involved in their charity and how rewarding it is to raise money while training for the Ironman," said Yanoschik. "Janus has created a win-win situation."

Established in 2001, the Janus Charity Challenge harnesses the power of inspiration that emanates from the sport of Ironman to make a difference in communities around the globe. It is a unique fundraising program that encourages Ironman athletes to raise money for nonprofit organizations. Unlike most other fundraising programs, there is no pre-determined charity. Instead, participants are able to raise money for the nonprofit that he or she is most passionate about. Janus not only provides triathletes with a wide range of fundraising resources, but also makes additional donations, totaling more than $300,000 per year, to the nonprofit groups chosen by the top 50 fundraisers at each of the eight Ironman races it sponsors.

The Janus Charity Challenge has raised approximately $41.6 million for hundreds of charitable organizations since the program's inception, according to Casey Cortese, vice president of Sponsorships and Community Relations at Janus. "We are incredibly proud of what our Janus Charity Challenge athletes have achieved over the history of this program," said Cortese. "What started as a grassroots fundraising initiative has evolved into a signature national giving program for Janus, enabling us to support thousands of deserving nonprofits throughout the country. We look forward to seeing the momentum continue as we enter our 10^th anniversary year."

For more information, please visit www.januscharitychallenge.com

About Janus Capital Group, Inc.

Janus Capital Group Inc. (JCG) is a global investment firm offering strategies from three individual investment boutiques: Janus Capital Management LLC (Janus), INTECH Investment Management LLC (INTECH), and Perkins Investment Management LLC (Perkins). Each manager employs a research intensive approach that is distinct within its respective asset class. This multi-boutique approach enables the firm to provide style-specific expertise across an array of strategies, including growth, value and risk managed equities, fixed income and alternatives, through one common distribution platform.

At the end of December 2009 JCG managed $159.7 billion in assets for shareholders, clients and institutions around the globe. Based in Denver, JCG also has offices in London, Milan, Munich, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Melbourne.

About Ironman

World Triathlon Corporation, owners and organizers of Ironman, is a Florida-based company recognized for athletic excellence, performance and quality products. With the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Series, Ironman now has more than 42 qualifying events worldwide. Supported by partners that include Ford Motor Company, Dell, Timex and Gatorade, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world. Ironman has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception nearly 30 years ago and is regarded as the world's most challenging endurance event. Millions may remember moments in Ironman history such as Julie Moss' crawl to the finish line in 1982, which was showcased on ABC's Wide World of Sports. Each year, more than 80,000 athletes compete for slots in the Ford Ironman World Championship held every October in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and the Ironman World Championship 70.3 held every November in Clearwater, FL. The Ironman brand has been featured in a range of media outlets to include NBC, CNN Headline News, The Wall Street Journal, People, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and USA Today.

    Source: Janus Capital Group Inc.