Audi has teamed up with Best Buddies International for the 5th Audi Best Buddies Challenge, striving to engage more than 1,500 participants and raise $4 million for the disabled.

The California leg of the event, which took place Saturday, was a 100-, 62-, 30- and 15-mile cycling trip along the Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, with an optional 5K run and 3K walk.

Serving as honorary co-chairs for the charity event were former California first lady Maria Shriver and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. They were joined by actors Harry Hamlin and Verne Troyer, actresses Teri Hatcher, Cheryl Hines, Kelly Hu, Lauren Potter and Lisa Rinna, Olympic gold-medalist Carl Lewis and television personality Nancy O'Dell.

Through our partnership with Best Buddies International, we have learned the importance of these critical fundraising programs that directly impact the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America.

More than 1,500 people are participating in this year's challenge, which benefits Best Buddies' mission: to create opportunities for friendship, employment and leadership training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year, there was a special Friendship Race in honor of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, called the Family Challenge, during which participants were invited to compete with their mothers and fathers for gold, silver and bronze medals.

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