Live from Livestrong Challenge San Jose - the day before - part 1

July 11, 4:24 PMSan Jose Fitness ExaminerAmy Rabinovitz

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The beginning and the end of the Livestrong Challenge is
right outside the Center for Performing Arts in downtown San Jose.

While the Avon Walk is underway 50 miles to the north, the Livestrong Challenge is getting ready for tomorrow's big event - the walk, run and cycling that is one of Silicon Valley's premier fitness fundraisers.

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Everything looks great

Here in the courtyard outside the Center for Performing Arts the porta-potties are up, the maze-like collection of various starting gates are in place, the signage is hanging, the stage is built, and the exhibitors are smiling and talking to the mingling crowd. 

If you were at all worried that the event wasn't open to the public (which I was told by the PR rep initially) don't give it a thought.  Everything is  right out here on the plaza, attracting a nice assortment of folks visiting downtown San Jose.

This will definitely be the place to be tomorrow afternoon....bands, booths, and a great atmosphere.

Travis, a friendly media rep for the event, told me an exact count isn't available yet - a lot of last minute registrations - but we're likely to see a hefty increase from last year.  Participants in the crowd echoed the same thing.  This year was special, more folks wanted to take part. 

Maybe, in hard times, people want to do what they can. 

Silicon Valley represented

A number of local groups are partners, and have booths at the event -- The Wellness Center, Team in Training, the local group from American Diabetes Association, and of course, the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. 

The non-profit HopeLab, based in Redwood City, was displaying Re-Mission, a video game they created for young people with cancer.  On the corporate side, AMD was there, a sponsor of the local Livestrong Challenge. One of AMD's employees, Jonathan Smith, is also team captain for Pedalout, which won the Team Messenger Award for having the most qualified (raised $100 or more) members.  Their 120 cyclists raised $36,000.

Romano's Macaroni Grill was there with brownies (drat, I got there too late for those) but they also have certificates good for $5 off the purchase of any 2 entrees.

Of course, there's more to come.  Stay tuned.

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