Fun run unites all ‘walks’ of life

Lolita Harper

More than 100 people lined up under a balloon arch in Fairview Park

Saturday morning to commemorate the city’s 50th birthday with a

5-kilometer run and walk.

The fun run and walk was the main event at a five-hour Pride in

the Park party for the city, which also included great music, free

breakfast from Plum’s cafe and information booths from the city’s

nonprofits.

Men and women of all ages gathered at 8 a.m. Some were serious and

ready to start the race as they finished their stretching and

conditioning before the event. Others were casual, pushing strollers

and walking their dogs. All were sweating under the bright morning

sun, as they walked through Costa Mesa’s gem -- Fairview Park.

Alberta Mirisciotti shared in the birthday celebration with the

city, as she turned 47 on Saturday. The Costa Mesa resident and

professional photographer -- with a studio in the city -- rounded up

a group of friends to join her at Fairview Park.

“I thought it would be a physically fun way to spend my birthday

and a great way to start the day,” she said. “I loved it. It was my

first time on the trail and I saw some great photo ops. I’ll be

back.”

The track, which winded through paved portions of the Westside of

the park, through the nature trail and back around, was designed by

Costa Mesa event planner Amy Kuchta with the help of members of the

Orange County Track Club. The celebration was touted as a “club

event.” Various track club members were on hand to support the cause

and many blazed the trail while the more casual participants

strolled.

Judy Bryant, a track club member who chose not to run the course,

said she was pleased that her organization could work with the city

in designing the trail for the 5K run. The club does their own 5K in

Fairview Park during June, so it was a great opportunity to “share

ideas,” she said.

The Santa Ana resident said she was proud to take part in Costa

Mesa’s birthday celebration and thought the morning event was

wonderful.

“I walked the track and it was just great,” she said.

Not all who pounded the pavement -- and gravel -- were pleased to

be there. Brian Stanley, 11, and Zach Dawson, 12, were forced by

their parents to walk the 3.2-mile course.

“It was really long,” Brian said.

“And very annoying,” Zach added.

“It’s a form of child abuse,” the children joked, as they guzzled

bottles of free water and energy drinks.

Their parents just shook their heads and smiled.

“I forced them,” Patti Stanley said. “It was good for the because

they could walk together and get through it. I ran it and it was

fun.”

Brian reminded his mother that it was only fun for her.

“Well, that’s because I run,” she said.

* LOLITA HARPER is the community forum editor. She also writes

columns Wednesdays and Fridays. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275

or by e-mail at [email protected].