Following in Revolutionary Footsteps

On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris took to the streets and stormed and captured the Bastille, a fortress prison that symbolized royal tyranny. It was a turning point in the French Revolution.

Every year around July 14, thousands of Orange County residents charge through the streets of Newport Beach. The only difference is, these folks aren’t storming anything, not even Fashion Island, in the name of revolution. But hey, they get a T-shirt, and could those 18th-Century Parisians say the same?

The 11th annual Bastille Day Celebration returns Sunday (a couple days after the official Bastille Day, but who’s counting?) with a slew of attractions: 8K and 5K run/walk events, a senior stroll, a 1K for kids 12 and younger, a fitness fair and a youth sports-challenge tournament.

Last year, the 8K and 5K contests drew 6,000 runners and walkers, big numbers indeed.

“Every year it gets a little better and better,” said spokeswoman Gala Struthers, adding that it also expands in terms of events offered.

The 8K is the center of the festivities and draws the most serious runners. Organizers are promising that a number of elite athletes will take part this year, including Sylvia Mosqueda, who set the women’s course record last year at 25 minutes, 47 seconds. The men’s record is 22:46 by Tracy Garrison.

A $2,500 prize purse will be divided among the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s 8K races.

Added to the Bastille Day Celebration this year is the Sports Challenge, with athletic fun zones featuring basketball, golf, a Frisbee toss and a football hike. In addition, a kids’ area will offer activities and entertainment from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Some activities require a $1 to $2 fee.

Other attractions include a fitness fair from 7 to 11 a.m. with more than 50 vendors and a food fair with offerings ($1 and up) from several Orange County restaurants.

* What: Bastille Day Celebration.

* When: Sunday. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m.; 5K and senior stroll begins at 7:45 a.m.; the 8K at 8:15 a.m., and the 1K for kids at 9:30 a.m.

* Where: Sutton Place Hotel, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach.

* Whereabouts: From the San Diego (405) Freeway, take MacArthur Boulevard south. The hotel is on the left, just beyond Birch Street.

* Wherewithal: $20 for the 8K and 5K; $15 for children 12 and younger (includes T-shirt).

* Where to call: (714) 565-6925.