Bastille Day Race Storms Into Twilight

When Eric Polanski of Texas defends his 8K title at the Bastille Day Celebration and International Food Faire Saturday in Newport Beach, he’ll find different conditions than a year ago.

For the first time in its 12-year history, the race will be run at 6 p.m., winding its way through the industrial complexes on Von Karmen Avenue.

The event, which has a $2,500 purse, has been run in the early morning hours on Sundays in the past. Organizers say the switch will be better for the Faire, which raises funds for the Food Distribution Center serving 280 centers for the needy in Orange County.

“This is Orange County’s only twilight race,” assistant race director Sue Edison said, “It will be very competitive, drawing a world-class field.”

Polanski, of Austin, has won four road races this year, most recently in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he posted a time of 22 minutes 45 seconds. He also finished third at the U.S. Track and Field 10K Road Championships with a time of 28:14.

He’s expected to be challenged by Ian Robinson of Phoenix, who placed second at the Mt. SAC Relays 10K.

Defending women’s champion PattiSue Plumer is not expected to run, so the favorites are Oregon’s Nicole Woodward, Brentwood’s Karen Hecox or Laura Stuart of Solana Beach, the champion of the 5,000 meter Steve Scott Invitational.

Female masters runner Loi Coker of Huntington Beach is expected to compete for the fourth consecutive year.

Several races are scheduled Saturday afternoon, including a 1K race for children under 12 at a cost of $15 and an adult 5K run for $20. Registration is open the day of the race or at Niketown, 1875, Unit B Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.