Carrying on long-walking tradition at the Scenic 5K

June 6, 2003 12 AM PT

June Casagrande

Eva Parsons remembers exercising with her neighbor Gladys in the

early 1930s.

“She wanted to get her shape back after having children, and we

would exercise together,” Parsons said. “While other ladies in the

neighborhood kept gaining weight, we kept our weight as it was all

our lives.”

About 70 years later, she’s still active and still fit. The

94-year-old Corona del Mar resident will be the oldest participant in

this year’s Corona del Mar Scenic 5K.

“It is beautiful,” said Parsons, who walks, rather than runs, in

the 5K race. “It’s so wonderful to be able to walk and feel free.”

This is Parsons’ third time entering the Corona del Mar race,

which takes place Saturday. She walks in the race in which most

others are running because it’s better for seniors to just walk, she

said. Parsons also walked the race in 2000 and 2001, but skipped last

year because of a respiratory infection.

The 5K event, now in its 22nd year, has become an institution in

Corona del Mar. Billing itself as the prettiest race around, the

course winds through some of the most scenic spots in Corona del Mar.

Race events begin on the bluffs at Corona del Mar Beach and, after

coming almost full circle, runners and walkers arrive at Restaurant

Row, where a series of booths offer some of the best dishes local

restaurants have to offer. Participants enjoy all the food they can

handle for free.

In addition to the 5K run, the event also includes a 2-mile walk

and a 1K “Dolphin Dash” for kids. Funds raised from the entries and

sponsors support youth programs of the city of Newport Beach and also

help fund Corona del Mar beautification.

For people such as Parsons, it’s a great way to continue a

lifelong tradition of staying in shape.

“Everyone laughs at me because they think I’m such an active old

lady,” Parsons said. “But I just love it.”

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She

may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at