Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation Races

As Chairwoman of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, I had the opportunity to witness something magical the last few weeks - the way a race comes together and the enormous amount of effort it takes.

Over a week ago on Saturday May 7th morning, the community turned up in record numbers at the 9th Annual Lam Research Heart and Soles Run at the iconic Santa Clara University campus. The race raised funds for youth programs and supports children's health and wellness through YMCA of Silicon Valley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. 

Being a runner myself, I could feel the excitement and energy of participants, families and racers. Being out on a track or at a race are moments we wait for and the fact that we have all missed over 2 years of these incredible events made it every more special. 

A day before, I got a chance to see our events manager Emily Sparling and many volunteers in action at Race packet pick up at Sports Basement in Sunnyvale. Smiling faces walked in a steady stream throughout the day to pick up bibs, shirts not only for themselves but also for family and friends.

SVLG Race Director Chris Weiler and his team were at the University campus since 3 am on race day to set up the course, and ensure everything would run smoothly and perfectly. I have always wanted to be a part of an early morning race prep and next year I am certainly joining them.

Morning of the Race, there were runners, kids, grandparents, families getting their first cup of fresh coffee, grooving to the music that played in the background, stretching, dancing, laughing, connecting with other participants - all moments that brought our community together. Closer to 7.30am - they all began to line up at the ‘Starting Line’ - one that we have all sorely missed.  

Peter Leroe Munoz: Senior VP, SVLG and stage MC kicked off things with greater enthusiasm than I have ever seen before. Other leaders like Stacey MacNeil: Chief Corporate Communications, Lam Research, John Savage Interim CEO, YMCA of Silicon Valley, Steve Wymer: CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan: County Superintendent of Schools, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Mike Wallace: Associate VP, Santa Clara University, Lisa Gillmor: Mayor, City of Santa Clara & Kathy Watanabe: Councilmember, City of Santa Clara helped kick off the race. For me, it has always been a dream to officially countdown and kick off a race.

I ran the course myself and noticed how hundreds of volunteers offered water on the course, directed the crowd and cheered us on till the finish line to receive a well-deserved medal. Families turned up on their porches clapping and encouraging the participants. I appreciated the GPS progress alerts and live tracking.

I hung out at the course until late that morning while winners in each category were announced, many danced to a fitness class, prepped their kids for the kids fun race, enjoyed the after race snacks and food. I even got some chiropractic work done. It was heartwarming to see the SVLG ‘Race team’ in action and doing everything possible to make the morning a tremendous success.

The SVLG Foundation races are a proven way to bring our community together, giving to good causes and showing how much, we care about where we live and work in. Executing a race of this magnitude requires hundreds of volunteers, local businesses, government officials, the city to work together closely. I was so proud of the team that created a positive experience, wowed everyone and had a deep impact in our communities.

Kudos to our fearless Race leader Chris Weiler, the entire team and everyone who touched the race. Thanks to Lam Research for continuing to invest in health and wellness. To the volunteers who turned up in large numbers - you are appreciated.

I hope you will join me and thousands other at the SVLG Foundation's next race - Turkey Trot this winter and run through the heart of Downtown San Jose while supporting local charities.