THIS YEAR, there's no excuse for not knowing why the streets are blocked off when the Metro Silicon Valley Marathon takes place on Sunday, Nov. 4. There's something for runners at all levels, with everything from a 5K run or walk to a half marathon, along with kids' races and a wheelchair event. The marathon course will take the runners through San Jose neighborhoods to the creek trail through Campbell, all the way to Los Gatos and back to Discovery Meadow where the post-run celebrations will be taking place. For the "semi-obsessed" runners the half marathon ends at Los Gatos High School where food and drink will help their recovery before returning via Royal Coach buses to the meadow. Of course no one will be running just for themselves—participants will be helping educate underprivileged children in India, creating awareness, and funding resources to address poverty in the Philippines, and helping raise money for research to cure Multiple Sclerosis, all through the help of various charities that are participating in the event. Go to www.svmarathon.com for more information.

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