Eye On The Bay: Extreme Competitions

Thuy Vu reveals some bay area competitions that take it to the EXTREME! From folks who don't just do gymnastics on a mat but perform on horses! To a contest where you're not just running through an obstacle course but running through fire even a band that doesn't just sit in the bleachers and play but put on an entire show on the football field!

VIDEO: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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DRUM CORP:

Drum corp is definitely taking your typical band and pushing it over the edge! Feel the pulse of the percussion, the brass in your face, see all of the color and the fast motion of the drill as hundreds of musicians and dancers take over an entire football field and put on a performance like no other.

There are 50 corps who compete in the United States for Drum Corp International and two of the top ranking teams are right here in the bay area! They are the Concord Blue Devils and the Santa Clara Vanguard. We followed the Vanguard from their first day of rehearsal to seeing them perform at Stanford stadium.

Santa Clara Vanguard
www.scvanguard.org

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TOUGH MUDDER:

Considered the toughest one day event on the planet, Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces. It is the ultimate test of all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. Participants don't worry about finish times; they simply want to complete the race.

Tough Mudder LLC
45 Washington Street #221
Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.toughmudder.com

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HORSE VAULTING:

You've never seen horseback riding like this. Horse vaulting combines gymnastics, acrobatics and ballet—all while on a moving horse. With competitors ranging from 7 to 21 years old, it's the ultimate spectator sport for all generations as you marvel at grace and balance in motion.

Mt. Eden Vaulting Club
Cooper-Garrod Estate
22645 Garrod Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 868-9476
www.mtedenvaulting.org

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RACE CARS:

For every child whose ever dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver, there is the Tri-Valley Quarter Midget Association. A youth racing organization for kids between the ages of 5 years old all the way up to 17 years old allows kids to come out and live the dream by actually racing a car.

Tri-Valley Quarter Midget Association
6978 Northfront Road
Livermore, CA 94551
(925) 606-7223
www.tvqma.org