Schools will get boost from runners

Annual Community Run has raised more than $35,000 for local schools over the past three years.

April 21, 2011|By Britney Barnes, britney.barnes@latimes.com

2011 Costa Mesa Community Run map.

COSTA MESA — Runners will take over Fairview Park Saturday morning to raise money for Newport-Mesa public schools located in Costa Mesa.

The fourth annual Costa Mesa Community Run will feature a 2K and 5K. Participants can run or walk.

"We really emphasize the community part and want people to come out and meet their neighbors," said event chairwoman Karen Barloon. "So every school gets a chance at the pot of money."

Event proceeds will be shared among the foundations for Costa Mesa and Estancia High schools and TeWinkle School, as well as the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation, which supports elementary and alternative schools, Barloon said.

Since its inception, the run has raised more than $35,000, said race director Dan Joyce, the city's public affairs manager.

The event is broken up into a 2K fun run and a USA Track & Field-sanctioned 5K run through Fairview Park with the races starting and finishing in Estancia's Jim Scott Stadium.

Already, there has been a tremendous amount of interest with about 600 residents pre-registering, Joyce said.

There will also be a Family Fun Night Expo Saturday with $1 food, rides, an Easter egg hunt and a dodge ball tournament between Estancia and Costa Mesa high schools. There will be a free concert by Blue Daddy, a blues band.

"It's just like a big neighborhood block party," Joyce said.

The male and female winners of the 5K will each receive a $250 gift card from the title sponsor, IKEA. A $100 Road Runner Sport gift card will go the second place winners. Third place means a $50 gift card to the Newport Rib Co. Winners in all categories will receive a $5 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.

The Daily Pilot is the 5K sponsor. All 5K participants will get a T-shirt and goody bag. All 2K participants will get a medal.

The event will open with a health and community fair and pancake breakfast following at 7 a.m. There will also be a free guided nature walk at 10 a.m.

If you go

What: Costa Mesa Community Run

When: Family Fun Night Expo 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, races begin at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Where: Estancia High School, 2323 Placentia Ave. in Costa Mesa

Cost: Registration is $25 for the 2k and $30 for the 5K. The pancake breakfast is $5

Registration: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Family Fun Night Expo or 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday

Information: http://costamesacommunityrun.com

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