The 36th Newport-Mesa Spirit Run is scheduled for Sunday, March 17 at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California. The Spirit Run has running & walking events for every age and ability level. Road races for adults include the Elite, Open, Family & Dog Mile as well as the 5K, 10K & 15K. Races for children include six separate ¼ to 1 Mile races for ages 4-18, the Youth 5K & the Toddler Trot. For families, Spirit Run offers the 5K Family Walk and Family Mile. For the list and schedule of all races, go to: www.nmspiritrun.org/event-schedule/
Mile legend and Olympian Steve Scott returns to introduce the Elite & Open Mile races and will warm up & run with the kids in the Youth ¼ to 1 Mile races.
2019 Prizes
The Spirit Run offers an Elite Mile cash prize purse for the top 5 men & women finishing under 4:15 and 4:50, respectively: $500, $350, $200, $100 and $75.
In the other events, Spirit Run awards age division winners medals as well as prizes from Blaze Pizza, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Spa Gregorie’s, Baking Betty’s and more, 200-plus in all! Competitors may race multiple races and are eligible to win each one. Youth competitors receive finish medals. Visit www.nmspiritrun.org/awards-results to learn more.
Elite, Open, High School and Dog Mile races take place on a fast, point-to-point USATF certified course that begins with a subtle incline for a ¼ mile than it's downhill to the finish line. Spirit Run’s 5K and 10K courses are also pretty swift, both ending on a decline. Visit www.nmspiritrun.org/course-maps to view course and elevation maps.
The Spirit Run Elite Mile is again a BBTM Featured Event, showcasing America's best Mile races throughout the year.
Spirit Run offers more than racing and walking. In between the walking and racing events, participants and spectators enjoy a Youth & Fitness Expo with fun food and beverages, live music, massage and shopping for adults as well as youth activities including a rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, surf simulator, health & fitness information and more. Also bring your dog to or adopt one at the Dog Expo.
The net proceeds of this long-standing community event benefit education and athletics in local schools.
EVENT RECORDS
3:58 Daniel Herrera (USA / LA), 2018
4:33 Samantha Murphy (CAN / CA), 2019
2019 Newport-Mesa Spirit Run Elite Mile Champions
Jeff Thies (USA / CA), 4:04
Samantha Murphy (CAN / CA), 4:33, event record
Celebrating its 35th edition, the Newport-Mesa Spirit Run: Race for the Schools takes place on Sunday, March 18 and is also the host of the USATF Southern California Road Mile Championship
By Bring Back the Mile
The Newport-Mesa Spirit Run, a BBTM Featured Event, is enjoying its 35th edition...
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Kriser’s Dog Mile returns so mark your calendar for Sunday, March 18th and bring your furry friend to the Spirit Run for a morning of fitness, community and fun!
By Stu News Newport
Man’s best friend is more popular than ever! It’s commonplace to see these four-legged friends shopping, dining...
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Learn to race the competition, not the clock.
By Jeff Benjamin, RunBlogRun.com
Steve Scott started out as a basebal player. His mom got Steve into running, encouraging him to join her morning jogs. In high school, the future U.S. Olympian ran 1:52 for the 800 meters and 4:15 for the Mile in...
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"If I can expose them to running and show them that it’s fun, then to me that’s rewarding."
By Tom Johnson, Stu News Newport
Had a chance to catch up with Steve Scott last week. Scott obviously is one of the greatest runners in American history. The three-time Olympian attended college at...
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