Holiday on ice: better not running

A quick one as a continuation and close of the 2010 Silicon Valley Turkey Trot event. Last Monday, all the age group winners of the 5 and 10K races were invited to a special celebration at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. We could watch the Sharks playing the Los Angeles Kings from a private suite (penthouse). Like most of the other invitees, that was a first for me as an additional award from a local race.

The best part of the story is that, for its 6th edition, the event raised an amazing $425,000 for local charities: Second Harvest Food Bank, Housing Trust of Santa Clara County and the Children’s Health Initiative. It was an honor and pleasure to meet race directors and founders, Carl and Leslee Guardino (left in the above picture), and see their entrepreneurial passion and expertise which they apply to serve others. What a positive impact on our local community!

After the first period our group was invited to go on the ice for a group picture and recognition and advertising for the race. To be honest, the Sharks fans could care less and half the stadium was empty as spectators were rushing for food or drinks. Assuredly, there isn't much connection between running and ice hockey... And orange is not a popular color for this crowd... ;-) Here we are, on the ice and the big screens:

Anyway, hope you can join the fun of this healthy and humanitarian event next year on Thanksgiving day! I will certainly keep it on my race schedule if I am in town. In the meantime, all the best for 2011, and please don't try running on ice!