Shakespeare O.C. Stages Stately Will Power Walk

It’s hard to imagine the 10K run gaining much of a following in Elizabethan times, so perhaps it’s appropriate that Shakespeare Orange County opted for a more stately pace when it decided to launch an outdoor-oriented fund-raiser.

The Will Power Walk, now in its third year, returns to the streets of Orange’s historic district Saturday. Routes of 5 and 10 kilometers will be offered, both starting on the steps of the Waltmar Theatre on the campus of Chapman University.

Chapman’s Waltmar is the home of Shakespeare Orange County, the county’s only professional Shakespeare company since the demise of GroveShakespeare. Money raised by the walk will help fund the company’s productions of “Twelfth Night” and “King Lear.”

The idea actually started at GroveShakespeare under founder Thomas F. Bradac and was transplanted when he started the new company two seasons ago.

Walkers will be given maps that will key historic homes and other points of interest along the way. “This is a great walk,” Bradac said.

The event’s Shakespeare theme extends to more than the name and cause. Participants are invited to take part in a discussion and reading of scenes from “Twelfth Night,” with company members led by actor and director Carl Reggiardo at 11 a.m.

In addition to paying an entry fee of $15 (which includes a T-shirt), walkers can sign up sponsors for their participation in the walk. Sign-ups will be taken on the morning of the event.

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Catalina is the site of a trio of running events on Saturday, two of which are still open for registration. A 5K and 10K run will depart Avalon at 8 a.m. Cost is $20 for those who register Friday, $25 for those registering on race day.

The 5K stays flat as it follows the water’s edge, but the 10K will do some climbing. The closed race is the Catalina Island Marathon.

Organizers have made arrangements for boats for runners, leaving from San Pedro. Call for information: (310) 433-4557.

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The Bicycle Club of Irvine will hold its annual Shamrock Century and Fun Ride on Saturday, with distances of 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles. For details, call (714) 854-8106.

What: Will Power Walk.

When: Saturday, March 19, at 8 a.m.

Where: Begins at Chapman University’s Waltmar Theatre, 333 N. Glassell St., Orange.

Whereabouts: From the Garden Grove (22) Freeway, exit at Glassell Street and drive north to the university, on the right side of the street two blocks past the traffic circle.

Wherewithal: $15 entry (includes T-shirt).

Where to call: (714) 744-7016.