CdM Scenic run draws big crowd

Paul Clinton

The Corona del Mar Scenic 5K run went off without a hitch Saturday

morning, drawing a steady crowd for an event that has become an

annual favorite in the Village.

Its hilly, picturesque course drew more than 2,000 participants

and about 2,500 spectators to an event now in its 22nd year,

organizers said.

“This was a very successful event,” said Jim Skahan, the race

chairman. “All the inclines make for a good run.”

This year, Huntington Beach resident David Schumacher, 35, motored

to an easy victory in the event’s premier race, the men’s 5K race.

Mayor Steve Bromberg kicked off that race at 7:55 a.m. by firing a

starting pistol.

Schumacher won the race, a 3.1-mile course snaking through streets

south of East Coast Highway, with a time of 15 minutes, 36 seconds.

Fred Cowles, 40, of Anaheim narrowly placed second, finishing in

15:48. Patrick Green, 37, of Cerritos arrived a mere two seconds

behind Cowles.

The field started at Ocean Boulevard, just north of the parking

lot at Corona del Mar State Beach. They ended by crossing the

footbridge at Goldenrod and crossing the finish line just south of

Seaview Avenue.

James Render, 71, of Westminster was in the field for the early

morning race, finishing with a time of 27:39.

“It’s hilly,” Render said. “It’s tough, but it’s doable.”

Bromberg kicked off the woman’s race at 8:20 a.m. The two races

drew a combined 1,789 entrants from at least 14 states.

Newport Beach resident Tessa Cendejas won the second race. The

22-year-old finished in 18:22. Christine Appell, 24, of Huntington

Beach placed second at 18:34, and Costa Mesa resident Laura Knight,

33, finished third at 19 minutes flat.

A 2-mile “fun walk” at 8:45 a.m. drew about 600 participants.

Wrapping things up at 9 a.m. was the 1K Dolphin Dash for about 130

children.

The race raised about $70,000 for its co-sponsors, the Corona del

Mar Chamber of Commerce and city of Newport Beach. After expenses are

paid, both entities should net about $20,000, Race Director Sean

Levin said.

This year’s event was also marked by the participation of

94-year-old Eva Parsons.

“The Scenic 5K was a fantastic success,” said Chip Stassel, the

chamber’s chairman. “It was a well-received event.”