Run keeps tradition of success intact

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH--Runners like Chokri Daouadi were there -- athletes who

can put five kilometers behind them in less than 15 minutes. But there

were also runners like Beverly Nimmo, who wasn’t even sure she was in

good enough shape to finish the race. The thing that brought them all

together wasn’t Olympian skill but a spirit of community and the will to

power students in Newport-Mesa’s largest school.

In its 15th year, the Harbor Heritage Run was again a huge success,

with about 800 runners registered for the 5K and 2K events and hundreds

more well-wishers, family and onlookers swarming Newport Harbor High

School on Saturday morning. The event was expected to raise between

$25,000 and $30,000. It’s the school’s only fund-raiser, with proceeds

supporting a range of educational services at the school including

counseling.

“I’m really happy with the turnout,” said Connie Cherry, a parent

volunteer and chair of the run, which is coordinated with the help of the

PTA. “A lot of kids are out here today, and that’s our goal -- it’s all

about raising money for the kids.”

As they stretched and waited for the starting signal, runners in the

5K event said they had a variety of reasons for participating.

David Peterson of Irvine, who coincidentally has the same name as the

school’s vice principal and official 5K run starter, said it’s a good

warm-up for the Los Angeles Marathon in March. “And the cloudy, cool

weather is perfect, too,” he said.

Kelly Gillmore of Costa Mesa said it’s a fun day, “and it’s for a good

cause.”

Of course, for some, it’s also serious business. Chokri Daouadi, 29,

was barely able to keep 30-year-old Steve Frisone at bay in the 5K as the

two approached the finish line with only two seconds between them:

Daouadi finish at just 14:44.

First prize included a pair of running shoes, registration for the

L.A. Marathon and other prizes.

But all the runners got to take home the knowledge they helped the

school, students and the community.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support,” Vice Principal Peterson

said.

-- June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .