Community Run brings in money for schools

COSTA MESA — The Costa Mesa Community Run is expected to bring in more than $10,000 for local schools for the fourth year running.

More than 850 people came out to the 4th annual run Saturday morning at Estancia High School's Jim Scott Stadium, said race director Dan Joyce, the city's public affairs manager.

"It was just a really feel-good event," he said.

With the preliminary numbers in, the event looks to be on track to raise between $10,000 and $15,000, Joyce said.

The event has raised more than $35,000 for Costa Mesa schools since its inception.

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

The events participation went up 20% from the previous year and saw an increase in community sponsorship, Joyce said.

More than 725 people participated in the USA Track & Field-sanctioned 5K race, and more than 125 in the 2K fun run and walk, he said, adding that about 30% of runners come from outside the city.

Garden Grove resident Humberto Rojas, 26, placed first in the individual 5K in 15:32. Torrance resident Cambria Wu, 32, who placed 14th, was the first woman to complete the race in 18:28.

Both won a $250 gift card from IKEA, the title sponsor.

The full race results are expected to be online soon at http://costamesacommunityrun.com.

Before the run, there was the Family Fun Night Expo on Friday night with a free concert by Blue Daddy, a local blues band.

"It really has a community, neighborhood feel, both at the expo and the run," Joyce said.

Already looking toward next year, event coordinators are exploring the idea of starting a 10K competition and expanding the expo with more kid-friendly activities, he said.