Danette Goulet
CORONA DEL MAR -- They huffed and they puffed and they got drizzled on
a bit.
But that didn't stop thousands from turning out Saturday morning for
the 20th annual Corona del Mar Scenic 5K.
"This is a tradition for us," said Rebecca Gonzalez of Corona del Mar,
who added that she has participated in the run for at least the past six
years.
She also actively recruits friends to join her, with the incentive of
a party at her house afterward complete with mimosas.
With her this year she had two three-year veterans and a first time
runner.
"This is the first time I remember it being such crummy weather," said
Sarah Pickell, who has run three times now. "It's fun -- a great run.
Some of the guys play music along the way."
Weather did little to dampen spirits. Even with the slight drizzle,
residents still sat out to watch the runners and walkers go by.
"It's still quite scenic. You can see all the boats," Pickell said.
Even the resident known to runners as "the guy who plays the Olympic
theme when they go by" was out as always.
"We look forward to that every year," she added.
Runners and walkers come from near and far for the event that benefits
Newport Beach youth programs and the beautification of Corona del Mar.
"This is my first year, although I've been a resident for a long
time," said Karen Tyson of Corona del Mar, who brought her sister from
Aliso Viejo. "Finally I'm rid of the kids who are off doing other things,
so I have time to do something for me."
Two sisters, Gerri and Courtney Hardcastle, came all the way from Las
Vegas to walk in the 2K.
"It's beautiful, the whole community gets into it and the breakfast is
great," Gerri Hardcastle said.
The breakfast is an enormous buffet called "Restaurant Row,", which
this year boasted specialty items from 19 local restaurants as well as
fruit from Albertson's.
There were breakfast burritos from Avila's El Ranchito, gourmet pizzas
from Gina's Pizza, quiches, cakes, pastas, decadent desserts and
pastries.
And if there wasn't enough there for the taking -- the line was
several hundred people long -- up at the corner of Goldenrod and Seaview
Avenue, a group of industrious 9-year-old souls set up a lemonade stand.
"Last year we made $60. This year we only made $13," said Madison
McHam. "We have two kinds of lemonade -- raspberry and regular, cookies,
donuts and caramels."
