Community members race for cure

Joseph Boo

NEWPORT BEACH - The Eighth Annual Orange County Race for the Cure

will be held at Fashion Island on Sept. 26. The 5K race is certified by

the U.S. Track & Field association and will feature some of the top

runners from around the world. But there are other categories for

noncompetitive runners. The purse for the race is $5000.

Last year’s defending champion Valerie Vaughan is again registered for

the race. She won the race in 16:28, and she is also the event’s

record-holder, with a 15:51 clocking.

Linda Somers of San Luis Obispo, who finished second to Vaughn by six

seconds last year, is also in the race.The former Olympian is hoping to

improve on that result and win the race this year.

One of the top newcomers in the race is Michellie Jones from Encinitas,

who is the No. 1 female triathlete in the world. The Australian native

recently started running 5K, and she’s trying to best her personal record

of 16:59.

Other Orange County runners who are confirmed entries in the race include

Kelly Flathers of Huntington Beach and Brooke Mabe from Seal Beach.

Danny Reed of Laguna Niguel is one of the male runners from California.

The six-time Division II All-American at UC Riverside and current Olympic

trial qualifier will be considered a strong favorite in the coed race.

There is also a family one-mile fun run/walk for noncompetitive

participants. All the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast

Cancer Foundation. The entry fee for adults is $25 until Sept. 18, when

it gets bumped to $28. Registration at the day of the event is $30. For

children (17 and under) and seniors (60 and over), registration is $15

until Sept. 18, and $18 thereafter. For more information or registration,

call (714) 957-9165 or visit www.occure.com.