Fun Runs Deep--Especially in Mud

When running events are announced as “rain or shine,” it can be assumed that most folks are pulling for shine. That’s not necessarily true for denizens of the Great American Adventure Run, at least according to race director Oscar J. Rosales.

It has rained a few times in the event’s 10 years, and the regulars seem to enjoy it, even though the cross-country course through Huntington Central Park can turn into nonstop slop.

“These people love it. They’re praying for rain. They were disappointed when it didn’t rain last year,” Rosales said.

Evidently, something about running in the elements brings out a primal urge in the event’s 300 or so regulars, especially at the end of a rainy-day run.

“They take off their shoes, find the biggest puddle they can, and just roll around in it,” Rosales said, with a laugh. “They say, ‘Oscar, you’re the greatest race director ever.’ ”

As for Rosales himself, he’d just as soon avoid having to stake the course in a downpour. But, hey, if it rains, it rains.

The adventure run, besides offering a chance to get off the asphalt for a jaunt through one of the county’s finest urban parks, is structured to offer a variety of challenges, even on sunny days. There are courses of 2.8 and 4.8 miles, and the start times are 30 minutes apart, so it’s possible for runners to tackle both events.

There’s a prize division, the Eagle, for those who run both distances, in addition to prize categories for each individual course.

Eagle course records are 40 minutes, 2 seconds by Matt Messner for the men, 51:13 by Loi Coker for the women. Messner also holds the 2.8-mile record, 14:36, with Beth Metcalf at 16:37 holding the women’s record. For the 4.8-mile course, record-holders are Alfredo Rosas at 23:37 and Metcalf again at 28:00.

Runners aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the day. Rosales said he has seen an increasing interest in fitness walking, so he’s encouraging more walkers to take part at the 2.8-mile distance.

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Racing events that happen off the asphalt are rare, but there’s a second opportunity this weekend. Local trail-run promoter Baz Hawley will hold the second event in his annual series Sunday in the Cleveland National Forest, starting at Blue Jay Campground off Ortega Highway near the town of El Cariso.

The 15K (that’s 9.3 miles) run begins at 8 a.m. If you can register before Sunday, it’s $15; on race day, it’s $20. Upcoming events include an 18K on Feb. 26; a 4-by-10K relay March 12; and the San Juan Trail 50, a 50K trail run March 19. For information, call Hawley at (714) 837-5648.

* What: Great American Adventure Run.

* When: Saturday, Feb. 11. The 2.8-mile event starts at 8 a.m.; the 4.8-mile starts at 8:30 a.m., with race-day registration opening at 6:30 a.m.

* Where: Huntington Central Park, Golden West Street and Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach.

* Whereabouts: From the San Diego (405) Freeway, head south on Beach Boulevard to Slater Avenue and turn right. Turn left on Edwards Street and then left on Central Park Drive.

* Wherewithal: $18 (includes T-shirt). Add $3 if you plan to run both events.

* Where to call: (714) 841-5417.