In an era of health and fitness, as well as a national cannabis boom, The 420 Games has become the latest “it” event series. The athletic themed marijuana events have taken root and quickly become a national phenomenon. Ironically, when Jim McAlpine first came out with The 420 Games many people were skeptical. “Most people would just laugh at me as I explained my idea” said McAlpine “The stigma runs deep and people immediately go to the propaganda engrained in their brain that says marijuana and athletics don’t mix. Well, that’s exactly why I started The 420 Games, because I knew all of those people were wrong”.
It appears McAlpine is onto something. As the games head strong into a second year, Newsweek, TIME, The Atlantic, Elite Daily, and sports publications such as Runner’s World have been paying attention. The 420 Games is a series of 4.20 mile runs in different cities. Dubbed “Going the extra mile for Cannabis”, the event is 1.1 miles longer than a typical 5K.
How big of a hit is The 420 Games? The event series developed to de-stigmatize cannabis and those who use it, has signed on several professional athletes, Olympic gold medalists and others who are now endorsing “The Games”. Ricky Williams, Heisman Trophy winner and NFL standout is currently The 420 Games main spokesman.
MARIJUANA & ATHLETICS
Coming out of the closet
Despite a long history of persecution by way of public criticism, penalties and in some cases the pursuit of criminal charges, more athletes are refusing to keep their medical cannabis use a secret. People all over the world are collectively discovering the benefits of cannabis and progress is being made toward the end of prohibition. Harsh attitudes and penalties around marijuana use are changing with the times. Professional athletes at the top of their fitness game are joining in The 420 Games landslide movement to dispel familiar myths about the plant and to de-stigmatize cannabis use once and for all.
“Interest is extremely high and people are eager to come away from an era of prohibition and misinformation, into an enlightened time where they can live their lives the way they feel is appropriate, without fear of judgment or even worse, going to jail. It’s an awesome thing to see mainstream media writing about us in such a positive light, another sign that the times are changing for the better.” - Jim McAlpine, 420 Games Founder.
Power Plant Fitness – The World’s First Cannabis Gym
The 420 Games creator has recently launched an athletic line of cannabis products and in partnership with Ricky Williams, the duo will open the world’s first cannabis gym in San Francisco, CA this November. Power Plant Fitness will be run by Williams and focus on integrative full body and mind training. What makes Power Plant Fitness unique? Members will be able to consume cannabis in the gym while working out. Power Plant also produces a line of “athletic edibles” made for pre-workout focus and post-workout recovery.
As the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in some states and on the ballot in others, including California, perceptions are changing quickly. Old stereotypes are being tossed out the window as the world realizes that they have long been misled about the “evils” of marijuana. It is very likely cannabis will become engrained into American society like Budweiser, Apple Pie and baseball.
“We have followed the business models of big events such as Tough Mudder and Spartan Games. People are drawn to ‘lifestyle events’ which is precisely what The 420 Games athletic series is.” -Jonn Hampton, The 420 Games event producer
Expansion
In just two years The 420 Games has experienced massive growth and currently boasts a viral fan base of over 60,000 people on Facebook. Beginning in 2014 as a small, regional event with around 200 people, events in 2016 are expected to draw more than 10,000 participants together in camaraderie. Now a four state, six-city tour, 2016 includes California, Colorado, Oregon & Washington. Series’ producers plan for more national markets and a Canada/International Tour in 2017. This year’s current series dates and locations are:
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California Tour: |
October 1st, 2016 Oregon Tour: |
Our Sponsors
Several of the biggest companies in the cannabis space sponsor “The Games” including WeedMaps, OpenVape
Source: Founder Jim McAlpine is an entrepreneur with a passion for the outdoors and athletics; he also the founder of snowsports marketing company SnowBomb.com. He is a proud husband and father of two girls and currently resides in Marin County, CA. 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. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 420Games.org.
