Heritage runners get ready to fuel up on carbos

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- It’s a warm, balmy night and the red-and-white

checkered tables are set for a romantic Italian dinner for 400.

This is what Michelle Prins has in mind for tonight’s Pre-Run Pasta

Night, in preparation for the Harbor Heritage Run on Saturday.

The 13th annual event will feature a 5K run and 2K walk. Organizers are

expecting 1,500 to attend and hope to raise $30,000 for the school.

“We’re going to be serving rigatoni with meat sauce and fusilli with

marinara,” Prins said.

The upscale carbo-loading event will feature pasta and salad from the

Pizza Bakery, bread from Il Fornaio Bakery, drinks from Fry’s Market and

cookies from Plums.

The centerpieces, which are a delicate combination of lemon leaves and

yellow flowers, were handmade by Prins.

“We’ve done it for years -- since the race started,” said Heritage Run

spokeswoman Kimberly Rothwell, adding that the event is heavily attended

by runners and their families.

WHAT: Pre-Run Pasta Night

WHEN: Today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Newport Harbor High School, 600 Irvine Ave. in Newport Beach. Meet

outside, by the anchor.COST: Adults $8, students $6 and children $4.

Dinners may be purchased at the door.

PHONE: For more information, call (949) 645-5806.