Countywide : ‘Heart and Sole’ Run Attracts Large Field

More than 81 companies from throughout Orange County have signed up to participate in the American Heart Assn.’s fifth annual “Heart and Sole” 5- and 10-kilometer walk and run, to take place next Saturday, sponsors said.

The event, which is sponsored by the Orange County Edition of the Los Angeles Times, will be held near the Fluor Corp. headquarters in Irvine. It is open to all levels of competition, from hard-core racers to weekend walkers. Past competitors have ranged in age from three months (in baby strollers) to 80 years.

The event is held each year to raise funds to support programs of the Orange County chapter of the American Heart Assn., including heart research, community service projects and public and professional education.

Last year, more than 1,000 runners participated in the event, including 100 cardiac rehabilitation patients who had either suffered a heart attack or who had had heart surgery. Although the Heart and Sole event is aimed primarily at corporate participants, individuals are invited to run.

Participants will be awarded prizes based upon the degree of sponsorship they obtain. Prizes will range from sports equipment to television sets. Competitors will also be treated to free refreshments, including soft drinks, chips, yogurt and beer. Free entertainment will be provided by the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, the U.S. Marine Corps Band and aerobics experts.

A special feature of the classic is the President’s Mile featuring 28 top Orange County corporate executives in a one-mile race.

Companies wishing to sign up to participate can do so by calling the American Heart Assn. chapter at (714) 547-3001.