CrossFit SacTown Throwdown at Placer Fairgrounds this weekend

The Placer County Fairgrounds will be infiltrated this weekend by teams from across the state in an annual test of skill and stamina. The 3rd annual CrossFit SacTown Throwdown will take place Saturday and Sunday, a competition testing skill level, perseverance and mental grit through a series of athletic challenges. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Roseville Police Activities League, which is offering up its gym at the fairgrounds for the event. The Roseville Police Activities League works with Roseville youth through a variety of recreational, athletic, social and cultural activities and programs."They needed a bigger venue because they outgrew it," said Sgt. Cal Walstad of the Roseville Police Department. "That's why they moved it here to Placer County."The event, which has been held at CrossFit East Sac for the past two years, will feature 100 teams made up of four individuals, two men and two women, competing in a variety of events involving gymnastics, cardiovascular training and weight lifting.CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that utilizes those disciplines to create a well-rounded workout that is used by police academies, military special operations units, martial artists, professional athletes and many others.There are more than 400 CrossFit gyms in California, and thousands more in the U.S. and around the world, according to the organization's website. The Sacramento region boasts 22 gyms, including three in Roseville. Roseville police officer Cori Preheim runs the CrossFit program for RPAL and will be competing in the event with a team from CrossFit East Sac.Although the event is only open for adults who belong to a CrossFit gym, Preheim said kids involved with RPAL will attend the event to watch and promote their program."I really wanted the kids to see what it looks like at a gym and what the community looks like," Preheim said. "Because CrossFit really is a community."Roseville Police Chief Daniel Hahn also will be joining a team with his wife, who works out at a CrossFit gym in Elk Grove, Walstad said.Food and drinks will be served at the family-friendly event, and tickets, which cost $30 in advance or $35 at the gate, are good for both days. Toby Lewis can be reached at tobyl@goldcountrymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TobyLewis_RsvPT.----------What: 3rd annual CrossFit SacTown ThrowdownWhen: Feb. 11-12Where: Placer County FairgroundsInfo: www.crossfiteastsac.com