Costa Mesa Community Run

THIRD ANNUAL COSTA MESA COMMUNITY RUN and EXPO

Costa Mesa residents’ support and participation is highly encouraged at the 2010 Costa Mesa Community Run.

This year’s third annual event, sponsored by IKEA, will have something for everyone. The Community Run will be held from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m. on April 24 at Estancia High School and Fairview Park.

The 5K starts at 8 a.m., with prizes going to the first place overall male and female. There are also awards for the top the male and female runners in each age group.

All the runners will receive a medal of participation. Each registrant will also receive an earth-friendly goodie bag, T-shirt, water bottle and more.

Kicking off the event will be a Friday night expo, beginning at 5 p.m. April 23 at Estancia High School. The expo is to include live music by The Fabulous Nomads, a skateboard park with profession instruction (bring your own gear and a parent to sign a waiver), AMP 97.1 radio, a Navy SEALS exhibit, a showcase for event sponsors, exhibits, food and possible game booths.

Saturday’s run includes the second day of the expo, including a great pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Costa Mesa Kiwanis.

The goals of the 2010 Costa Mesa Community Run and Expo include raising funds for education, building community spirit, and getting the run to be a certified race course and one of the top races in Orange County.

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD), the City of Costa Mesa, and the Costa Mesa Community Foundation have partnered once again to plan this event and work towards these goals. Proceeds benefit all Costa Mesa public schools.

The entire event will be located primarily in Fairview Park, at Estancia High School, and around the new Jim Scott stadium. The park will be used for both the 2K Family Fun Run and the 5K run. Parking will be provided at Estancia High School.

The fun-filled event, which drew more than 650 runners last April, is anticipated to be an even bigger and more exciting this year. More than 800 runners are expected to participate, with many more attending the expo. To register for the 2010 run, please go to www.costamesacommunityrun.com or www.active.com.

For further information on the two-day event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Newport Mesa School District representative Karen Barloon at (949) 515-6545 or kbarloon@nmusd.us.