A member of my triathlon club was diagnosed with ALS a couple years back and instead of feeling sorry for him and sitting idly by trying not to cry some wonderful people tried to do something about it. What started out as an idea from El Presidente Chris McCrary turned into one of the most awesome and well organized events I have ever been to or been a part of.
Yesterday, on the streets of Pleasanton, California was not only a 5k race, but an elite mile, a kids race, and a criterium including cyclists of all levels to raise money to fight ALS. Since I had raced last weekend and I hate 5ks I decided to contribute to the event by volunteering, but first Nick and I thought we'd watch our friends compete and get some breakfast.
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| Michael Stella Tackling the 5k course |
The course was a loop around downtown Pleasanton starting on Main Street. After a quick 17 minutes the first finisher approached sporting his FOMO gear Mr. Michael Parry. He was followed shortly by a few other male finishers and of course the first FEMALE finisher not far behind was Ms. Tara Carriera! We cheered everyone on, especially the B-day boy Mr. Michael Meaney.
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| What race would be complete without a half naked Meaney |
After all the finishers crossed the finish line we headed for some breakfast, of course supporting the local eateries, and then went to watch the ELITE MILE.
Now I know most people think they can run a mile, but in order to run this mile you had to qualify and be up against some pretty quick company...no 6 minute miles here folks.
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| The studette in yellow kicked butt! |
Surprisingly one of the runners was my sister's boyfriend's sister (if that wasn't too confusing). She runs for Sac State, which made it exciting to have someone to cheer on. The women were up first as we cheered GO RACHEL! on her lap around town. Unfortunately, she finished 4th with a great time while the turbo 1st place finisher was around 5:02 for her mile time.
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| And they are off |
Next the men were up and rumor had it that we had a few 4 minute milers in our midst. They were gone and done before you knew it clocking in at about 4:10, but the most impressive time was a young kid, probably in middle school who ran a low 5 minute mile time...you may see that guy on TV some day!
Next came the kids run, which unfortunately I didn't capture on film, but every kid received a medal for their efforts and even the tiniest of toddlers participated.
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| Ryan Capes, Don't be fooled he's really FOMO red and white |
After the kids run I headed out to my volunteer post for the Cat 5 criterium race. My job: to keep people from getting run over at turn 2. Wearing my fashionable orange vest with lovely flag accessory I cheered on the cyclists. Although I didn't know this at the time, our friend Ryan Capes managed to slide in the Cat 5 race. After the Cat 5 race came the Men's Cat 4 where we had one of our own out in the pack. Mr. Jeff Mapes headed the pack for a few rounds collecting prizes occasionally as he raced.
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| Speedster Jeff Mapes |
Next came the women's Cat 3 and 4 race. Where Ms. Tanya Grossman kicked butt coming in 3rd Place.
After my volunteer shift I headed home to take a cat nap and get some homework done before the pro-races. Surprisingly upon my arrival back I found the guys at the VIP booth with some prime seating. To watch the BIG races!
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| Winner of the Women's Pro race |
The women's race was awesome! You couldn't tell the whole time who was going to win it because every round there was a new leader.
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| Ryan and the Champion from New Zealand |
After the women were presented their awards it was time for the men's pro-race. The teams lined up wearing logos like Yahoo, Webcor, and Cal Giant. Some looked way younger than me clocking speeds at 30 to 40 mph. It was intense and so fast that sometimes pictures were just colors flying by. There are so many pictures I'll post them at the end. This was an amazing day for an amazing cause and I will surely take on the 5k next year and volunteer for this event! Great Job Chris McCrary and team!
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| Of course there needs to be a picture of the Mascot Charlie |
Next came the women's Cat 3 and 4 race. Where Ms. Tanya Grossman kicked butt coming in 3rd Place.
After the women were presented their awards it was time for the men's pro-race. The teams lined up wearing logos like Yahoo, Webcor, and Cal Giant. Some looked way younger than me clocking speeds at 30 to 40 mph. It was intense and so fast that sometimes pictures were just colors flying by. There are so many pictures I'll post them at the end. This was an amazing day for an amazing cause and I will surely take on the 5k next year and volunteer for this event! Great Job Chris McCrary and team!
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