1996 Champions Set to Run in Half Marathon

IRVINE —  Defending champions Danny Gonzales of Rancho Santa Margarita and Jane Welzel of Fort Collins, Colo., head the field for the Southern California Half Marathon Saturday in Irvine.

The 13.1-mile race will begin and end at Barranca Parkway between Creek and Lake. The event, which raises funds for the American Lung Assn. of Orange County and the Woodbridge High athletic boosters, includes a 2K and 5K.

Gonzales and Welzel each set course records last year, Gonzales in 1:06:12 and Welzel in 1:16:55. More than 2,800 runners took part in the half marathon last year.

Races start at 7:45 a.m. for the boys’ 2K, 8 a.m. for the girls, 8:30 for the half marathon and 8:45 for the 5K. Cost of the half marathon is $24, and participants can register beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday.

For more information, call (714) 559-8171.