Team Livestrong Challenge Austin

While October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are many other forms of cancer that millions of Americans are afflicted with. In all likelihood, you or someone you know has been affected by cancer at some point in their lives. Livestrong is an organization founded by seven-time Tour de France winner and local Austin boy Lance Armstrong in an effort to raise money for cancer research after his own famous battle with testicular cancer. One of the fundraising events Livestrong puts on every year is the Team Livestrong Challenge Austin, which takes place October 14-16, 2011.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or a beginner looking to support the cause however you can, there's a course that will fit your skills. The 5K run/walk through downtown Austin will be held bright and early on the morning of Saturday, October 15th, taking you along South Congress Avenue. On Sunday, participants can gear up for the 20, 45, 65 or 90 mile bike rides. You choose which level you're most comfortable with. After the ride on Sunday, everyone gets to celebrate at the Ride Post Event Party.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday - Mellow Johnny's will host a Street Festival (400-600 block of Nueces) to kick things off from 12pm to 7pm. All walkers, runners and riders will be able to pick up their bibs and packets at that time. From 7pm to 10pm, Gibson Bar (1109 Lamar Blvd) will play host to Happy Hour with Austin Cycle Camp and Livestrong. There will be a silent auction benefitting the Livestrong Foundation as well as food and drink specials.

Saturday - Participants in the 5K Run/Walk can pick up their bibs and packet info in the RunTex Riverside parking lot beginning at 7am. The start of the Run/Walk takes place at 8am at the South 1st St Bridge over Lady Bird Lake. The Street Festival continues from 9am to 1pm on the 400-600 block of Nueces Street.

Sunday - Participants in the cycling portion of the weekend who haven't yet done so can pick up their bibs and info packets at the Roger Hanks Parkway in Dripping Springs beginning at 7am. This is where the start of the bike ride is. Each participant's ride course is dependent on which distance you are planning to attempt: 20 mile, 45 mile, 65 mile or 90 mile. Of course, all of this culminates with the Ride Post Event Party. There will be food, a massage tent for riders, a Kids Zone and a beer tent for the grown-ups.

Last year, 5500 participants were able to raise more than $3.1 million for cancer research. This year, Team Livestrong is hoping to even surpass that. Registration continues through October 16th. It is a $35 registration fee for the Run/Walk, $50 for the bike ride or $75 to participate in both. You can sign up here. If you can't be in Austin in person, you can always be a virtual participant and donate online as well.

The Team Livestrong Challenge Austin takes place October 14-16, 2011. Help support a very worthy cause by participating. Live happy, live healthy, Livestrong.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Austin TX Homes blog here: http://austintxhomes.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/team-livestrong-challenge-austin/.