http://www.theweedblog.com/next-saturday-the-420-games-comes-to-the-santa-monica-pier/

The 420 Games' first event of 2016 takes place March 26th at the Santa Monica Pier. For the first time ever, this Southern California landmark will host an organized cannabis-related event, one that is expected to gather more than 1,000 participants. Created to de-stigmatize cannabis and the people who use it, The 420 Games brings a message of wellness, fitness and health. Activists will walk, run, bicycle or skateboard to Go the Extra Mile for Cannabis in this 4.20 mile race; wheelchairs are welcome! Out in the water stand-up paddle boarders will follow course along the beach.

The 420 Games were created to emphasize that highly functional people, even professional athletes, use cannabis and are hardly the lazy stoners the world has portrayed. Fostering a new, positive mindset about those who use cannabis is going to be absolutely critical for the legalization of marijuana. - Jim McAlpine, Creator & Producer & Founder of SnowBomb, a source for ski & snowboard lifestyle and culture.

Special guest speakers will include LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) member and retired Redondo Beach Police Officer Diane Goldstein, national cannabis thought leader and author of 'The Cannabis Manifesto', Steve DeAngelo, as well as Tracy Ryan, CEO of CannaKids.org and SavingSophie.org. Look for special appearances by UFC Fighter Kyle Kingsbury, NFL Pro-Bowler Kyle Turley and former NFL players from the Gridiron Coalition who will have their own team of ex NFL players in attendance.

EazeMD will be on site offering attendees the opportunity to obtain a medical cannabis evaluation and recommendation. Paradoxically, there will be no smoking allowed at the Pier portion of the day's festivities. 420 Games advocates responsible adult use, McAlpine adds, We are forging new outlooks and a new respect for both cannabis and the people who use it a cloud of smoke over our heads at the pier " both literally and figuratively " is not the message we want to send out to the world. In contrast to the events in the sun at the Pier, the concert and after party at V Lounge following the race will offer a space to sample medical cannabis for medical cannabis patient cardholders. Shuttles will be provided from the race to the lounge. Join 'The 420 Games Village' after party for yoga, magic, comedy, education, networking and LIVE music from reggae legend Pato Banton.
Over the past two years, hundreds have participated in successful 420 Games athletic events at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The 420 Games' Los Angeles debut is the first leg of a four-state, six-city tour. Upcoming event series will feature marathons, mountain bike races, stand-up paddleboard competitions and more. Future locales include San Francisco, Boulder, Denver, Portland and Seattle.
McAlpine states, Our attendance has doubled from the first event to the second, we expect thousands of people to come run or walk for cannabis respect on March 26th in LA. There is a passion and vibe of camaraderie at these events that is very inspiring to see.

The 420 Games are presented by WeedMaps and sponsored by O.penVAPE, SnowBomb.com, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Dixie Elixirs, and Eaze. Look for exhibitors from dozens of the top cannabis brands in California!

What: The 420 Games

When: Saturday March 26, 2016, 9AM " 3PM

Where: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Some highlights of the games include:

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) celebrity Kyle Kingsbu Kingsbury will be in attendance and running the race. Event promoters are challenging runners to beat Kyle outside the ring. Anyone who that crosses the finish line before Kyle will gain free entry into 420 Games events for one year.

Steve DeAngelo, a nationally recognized pioneer in the cannabis reform movement and Executive Director of the nation's model cannabis dispensary, Harborside Health Center, will give the keynote address.

Post-race, all competitors will be treated to two hours of beer tasting from event sponsor Lagunitas Brewing Company of Petaluma, CA.

A two-hour concert of positive vibes from international Reggae superstar Pato Banton!

Former NFL Pro Bowler Kyle Turley and The Kyle Turley Band will open for Pato Banton.

UPCOMING 2016 EVENTS:

California Tour:
March 26th, 2016
Los Angeles | Santa Monica Pier

Event Details
August 27th, 2016
San Francisco | Golden Gate Park

Colorado Tour:
October 1st, 2016
Boulder | Boulder Reservoir

September 17, 2016
Denver | Location TBD

Washington Tour:
July 31st, 2016
Seattle | Magnuson Park

Oregon Tour:
October 29, 2016
Portland | Sellwood Riverfront Park

About The 420 Games Philosophy:

The 420 Games does not advocate that everyone should use cannabis. We are focused on teaching those who choose to do so how to be healthy and responsible. We are also focused on education and prevention for those who should not use cannabis " most importantly, minors. We do not endorse the illegal or irresponsible use of cannabis.