Photo by Jayden Eden
Staff Photographer
The Active San Gabriel Valley opened the roads of South Pasadena, Alhambra, and San Gabriel Sunday, May 19 as part of the 626 Golden Streets event. Over 20,000 people of all ages biked, walked, ran, and skated along a five-mile route through all three cities from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
The “Mission to Mission” course began from Mission Street in South Pasadena and ended in Mission Drive in San Gabriel. However, the event had no official start or finish lines, permitting individuals to join in the fun at whatever point along the route they chose. Golden Streets also offered a timed 5K run beginning at 7:30am along the same route for those who wished to enjoy some friendly competition.
The event also offered activity hubs in each city to allow community members to enjoy live music, entertainment, art activities, food, and free giveaways from local businesses and organizations. Many of these booths, including Heliyo Athlete Lab, Aztlan Athletics, and Pasadena Athletic Association, worked to encourage active lifestyles and healthy living. SPHS’ Skills USA Club was also at the event, fundraising with food and merchandise sales.
“The main goal is to get people out of their cars so they can enjoy being out in the open, enjoy meeting their neighbors, and maybe discover a business that they might miss from inside a car,” co-founder of Bike San Gabriel Valley and Active San Gabriel Valley Vincent Chang said. “Our health and ultimately our lives depend on a clean environment, and OpenStreet events promote that in a fun way.”
