Taking the long way to school

Young Chang

Kids went to school Saturday. So did parents and teachers and

community members who normally wouldn’t be seen spending time at

Newport Harbor High School.

But they took the long way there.

As participants in the 16th annual Harbor Heritage Run and free

Fitness Fair, about 1,000 walkers and runners started at the corner

of Dover Drive and 16th Street and meandered their way to the high

school. The ones doing the 2K run/walk made a right on Kings Place,

went down 15th Street, took a right on Irvine Avenue and finished on

the school’s football field.

The 5K attempters went from Dover Drive to Kings Road, took a

right on Cliff Drive, went left on Signal Road, left again on 15th

Street, cut onto Clay Street, turned onto St. Andrews Road and then

Coral Place, made a right onto Irvine Avenue, wrapped around 16th

Street and finally arrived onto Newport Harbor’s field.

“They like the course, they like to support the school,” said

parent Rhenda Foster, who was in charge of course management for the

run. “And often, they live in the community so they like to get

together with friends they see year after year at the run.”

The race, which is the high school PTA’s only fund-raiser, earned

between $23,000 and $25,000 this year, organizers said.

Some ran as teams and others ran as individuals. Teams won through

raffle drawings and the speediest individuals were awarded athletic

shoes in both the 2K and 5K.

“We just felt it was way to bring students out,” said event

chairwoman Alesia Erickson, of the race’s first time having teams.

“So they could enjoy it as something other than grueling exercise.”

Other prizes included area restaurant gift certificates and entry

into amusement parks. Young children also participated in kids races.

Don Webb, Newport Beach’s former public works director who is

running against Allan Beek for a City Council seat representing

District 3, ran with a team Saturday. Newport Harbor’s water polo

coach Jason Lynch reportedly told his team that if he finished before

any of his players, the team would have to run the course again.

Jennifer Hernandez and Lauren Celek, both sophomores and

basketball players at Newport Harbor, said part of their reason for

running the 5K was to support their school.

“It’s just really fun,” Lauren said. “Plus we’re doing it for

basketball. And just to get in shape I guess.”

* YOUNG CHANG writes features. She may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at young.chang@latimes.com.