Runners Put Heart and Sole Into Event, Despite Weather

A weak Pacific front that dropped about half an inch of rain on Ventura County early Saturday didn’t dampen the spirits of participants in a community run that raised money for heart disease research and education.

The fast-moving storm soaked the county between 2 and 8 a.m., tapering off just as hundreds of runners pulled on knit caps, laced up sneakers and hit the pavement.

“This is perfect running weather,” said 35-year-old Mary Fedde, who drove up from Newport Beach to run in the 11th annual Ojai’s Heart & Sole Classic with her sister, Patty Jones, 46, of Ojai. “I got up at 4 a.m. to be here. That’s dedication.”

Jones finished the 5K race in her best time yet, saying the overcast skies and crisp temperatures--which event organizers predicted hurt attendance slightly--only helped her speed.

“We were nervous it was going to rain,” she said, her hair damp and cheeks pink as she clutched a warm cup of coffee. “But this is great. You don’t want to get too hot.”

About 300 people from all over Ventura and Santa Barbara counties came out for the race, which offers a 5K, 10K and one-mile family run-walk. Julie Sletten, corporate events director for the local American Heart Assn. chapter, said the organization raises about $15,000 each year from the Ojai event.

“It all benefits the heart association, and our mission is to reduce death and disability from heart disease and stroke through research and education,” she said.

The run, which for the past 11 years has been held the weekend before Valentine’s Day, is a popular tradition among Ojai residents.

Each year, the local high school track coach plots out the course and cheers on runners as they cross the finish line.

Neighbors watch Ventura County Superior Court Judge Fred Bysshe jog with his two llamas, Fernando and Boliviano. And 30-year Ojai resident and philanthropist Jimmi Clapp supports the race with a $1,000 sponsorship.

This year, Clapp was honored for her commitment to the Heart and Sole run, and for the $50,000 she donated to the heart association last month.

Ina Frank, major gifts director for the American Heart Assn. in Los Angeles, said Clapp’s money will help the group fulfill its mission to teach children how to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. “It’s very preventable,” she said. “We just need to teach people how to live healthier lives.”

Juve Lopez would make a good poster child. The 44-year-old Carpinteria resident came in first place among the men in the 5K race, then turned right around and ran the 10K, placing third. He is training for the upcoming Los Angeles Marathon.

Why such dedication?

“Because I am crazy,” he joked. “And because it feels good.”