Part 2: Greg Levien 50 K Skate Race

Planet Preview: The Greg Levien 50 K

Outdoor Season in N. California Opens Sunday With the Greg Levien 50 K

The Event Is the Start of the 2005 Dan Burger Race Series

(Part 2 of 2)

Aside from serious racers, the series also attracts a few recreational and casual skaters. They can opt to skate the full distances or join in the 10 K, which starts at the same time.

One of the funky things about the series is the large number of age categories: nine!

Given the number and the light attendance, participants often find themselves finishing both first --and last -- in their categories.

The series is put on by the California Outdoor Rollerskating Association (CORA) and sponsored by Twincam.

CORA's founder and president, David Miles, named the series after the noted San Francisco downhill skater who was seriously injured in a fall at the World Downhill Championships in 2002.

Dan Burger has yet to return to skating. But he usually can be spotted at the races cheering on and photographing the racers.

Miles, the race organizer, has been urging skaters recently to support the race series.

"Those of you who complain that there are no events to compete in may want to consider that your lack of participation could result in the cancellation of even more of what is left," he said in a recent post on the San Francisco skaters listserve.

"Come on out and support our efforts to keep inline racing alive in Northern California."

The 2005 Greg Levien 50 K Memorial Road Skate

• inline marathon and 10 K
• 9:15 a.m., Sunday, April 10th
• Canada Road, Crystal Springs Reservoir, San Mateo, Calif.