DOWNTOWN : Zany Events Set for 2nd Community Cup

Professionals and community leaders will once again climb a 68-story high-rise and don running shoes and neckties to jog with briefcases during the second annual Community Cup, a two-day marathon of traditional and peculiar sporting events benefiting the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA.

More than 600 people are expected to participate in contests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Events will be at the YMCA, 401 S. Hope St., and other Downtown sites, including the First Interstate World Center, California Plaza and Security Pacific Plaza. The competition aims to foster partnerships between the business and civic communities while raising money for the YMCA’s programs.

In addition to golf, tennis and a basketball shootout, the Community Cup has become known for its unusual activities designed with Downtown’s corporate atmosphere in mind.

Perhaps the most popular is the rigorous stair-climb race to the top of the First Interstate World Center, 633 W. 5th St., the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. About 500 people are expected to compete in climbs scheduled at 5:15 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday, according to YMCA spokeswoman Linda Cassidy.

A street festival--with family activities and entertainment--along 5th Street between Flower and Hope streets will augment the competitions Saturday.

Information: (213) 624-2348.