Racing and Rugby

"Glendale considers itself a city that's different from the rest," says Chris Thonis, business-development manager at Denver-based FitBeats. "We really wanted something that would be fun and different from other races." That's why the company chose Glendale's new Infinity Park — the country's first municipally owned rugby stadium — as the site for its inaugural FitBeats Metro Mile, a one-mile race followed by kegs and eggs. Because why run five or ten miles when you can run one mile, then drink beer?

FitBeats, an Internet company that makes downloadable MP3s for endurance athletes, wanted to get its name out while raising money for the community. The race, which starts at 9 a.m. at 950 South Birch Street, costs $20 in advance, $25 today, and $15 for kids, seniors and military. People of all ages and abilities are invited; proceeds benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and Loews Hotels Modest Needs Foundation. Awards and live music will follow the run, and participants get free admission to a 1 p.m. rugby match between the Glendale Raptors and the Denver Highlanders. For those who miss the race, game tickets are $3 for Glendale residents and $5 for non-residents; kids eleven and under get in free. Go to www.glendalerugby.com or www.fitbeatsmetromile.com.
Sat., Oct. 6, 9 a.m., 2007