Runners Show Their Soulful Side in Fund-Raiser

More than 7,500 people laced up their running shoes Sunday for the Heart & Sole Classic in Irvine, some to remember a loved one lost to heart disease and others to honor a survivor, but all to celebrate life.

“Every single day is a blessing,” said Margaret Lawson, whose husband, George, has undergone two successful open-heart surgeries since they were married 22 years ago. The Mission Viejo couple walked the 5K course hand-in-hand while their two young grandsons darted ahead.

“It’s so moving to see so many supporters here today,” she said.

The 17th annual event raised about $350,000 for the American Heart Assn.’s fight against cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of 2,600 people each day in the United States, officials said.

The Heart & Sole Classic included an untimed 10K run, a 5K run-walk and a 1K Fun Run for children, as well as a special tribute to the hundreds of heart disease and stroke survivors who stood out in the crowds with their red baseball caps.

“The stories these people have are just amazing,” said Liz Lin, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Assn. “You just listen to them and can’t help but appreciate life so much more.”

Lisa Freeman, 36, of Garden Grove was born with a congenital heart defect that has resulted in four surgeries, including one for a valve replacement six years ago during which she “died” on the operating table and was resuscitated.

On Sunday, Freeman was joined by her mother, Marlene Kinkelaar, and two sons, who wore tags on their shirts proclaiming, “I’m running in honor of my mom.” They all proudly linked arms with her as they started the walk from the Irvine Spectrum Entertainment Center.

Freeman, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, beamed as fellow heart disease survivors passed by, offering high-fives.

“I am so fortunate to be here,” Freeman said. “This is such a beautiful day for me.”

Kinkelaar said the annual event is a special reminder of how much her daughter has weathered.

“I just look at her, after everything she’s been through and say, ‘Thank you, God, thank you, God,’ ” said Kinkelaar, brushing away tears. “She’s been on both sides of the sheet now, so to speak, and she reminds us all how precious life is.”

Hundreds of others walked or ran in memory of a heart disease victim, including about 75 who participated on behalf of Bill Billiter, a veteran reporter and editor for The Times Orange County, who died earlier this year after suffering a heart attack.

Danny Knott, a spokesman for The Times who helped organize the event in Billiter’s memory, said supporters wore a pin specially designed for their friend and colleague.

“He was just loved by so many,” Knott said. “He was also a runner, which really made this an appropriate way to honor his memory. He would have loved it.”

Steve Taylor of Garden Grove walked in memory of his father, Jim, who died last year of a stroke.

Taylor, 32, said he “never expected” to participate in such an event but was inspired by the turnout and the survivors’ stories of hope.

“My dad probably wouldn’t have ever come to something like this,” said Taylor, who was joined Sunday by his mother, wife and 4-year-old daughter. “But I’m sure he’s watching, and he’s got to be at least a little proud of us right about now.”