Bastille Day 5K, for charity, open to the public

The Bastille Day 5K, which benefits the Magic Shoe Foundation, is on the horizon once again. The 5K will take place July 15, and is meant to feature competition between alumni of Corona del Mar High, though the event is open to the general public.

Race organizer and CdM track coach Bill Sumner has been reaching out to alumni Sea Kings to get them to compete against each other in the race, but so far, they’ve all said the same thing: they’re ready to beat Sumner.

With that in mind, “this next 30 days I’ll be working really hard to get my fanny in shape,” Sumner said. The race, which benefits the Cynthia Holcomb Magic Shoe Foundation, is offering $6000 in total prize money, including a $750 prize for the first place male and female finishers.

Participants are asked to bring a pair of new or gently used running shoes to donate to the foundation, which supplies shoes to Boys and Girls Clubs and inner-city high school track programs.

“When you’re in Newport Beach, there’s a kid who’s only 11 miles away who looks at your used shoes like they’re a Christmas present,” Sumner said. “And we forget that.”

Corona del Mar alumni who wish to participate should call the CdM alumni office at (714) 668-9148. Others interested should visit www.bastilleday5k.com for more information. The starting line will be at corner of Gateway and Irvine Center Dr. in Irvine, and there will be a fun zone as well as a one-mile race for those who don’t want to run or walk in the 5k.

— Soraya Nadia McDonald