► Registration open HERE
The 42nd Newport Spirit Run has a later date this year, Sunday, October 18, and a new location, Upper Newport Bay (the Bay). Newport Spirit Run is excited to introduce a Half Marathon traversing the Bay for the first time in more than 20 years alongside its traditional 5K and Mile distances for adults, kids and familes to run or walk together. Spirit Run is also hosting its new Beach Dash for ages 4 to 6 and Toddler Trot for ages 3 and younger.
Mile legend and Olympian Steve Scott returns to start races, distribute awards and to pump up kids and families before their races.
Competitive adult races include the Mile, 5K, Combo (5K + Mile) and inaugural Half Marathon. Elite athlete contact: dianedaruty@sbcglobal.net
The adult competitive Mile course is out-and-back on a flat road with a wide turnaround to the finish at .25 mile. Spirit Run’s 5K course is fast too. Go to newportspiritrun.org to view complete weekend schedule and other event links such as course & elevation maps.
All race finishers receive a "Spirit" medal at the finish line.
In between the walking & running events, participants and spectators enjoy a Youth & Fitness Expo with food & beverages, live music, massage and shopping for adults, youth activities, health & fitness information and more.
The net proceeds of this long-standing community event benefit youth education, fitness and other youth causes. New in 2026 is a youth educational program at Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) a non-profit that protects and preserves the Bay. NBC is collaborating with Spirit Run to bring new "green" measures and to bring an environmental focus to the event..
The Spirit Run Mile is again a BBTM Featured Event, showcasing America's best Mile races throughout the year. 
EVENT RECORDS
3:58 Daniel Herrera (USA / LA), 2018
4:28 Taryn Rawlings (USA / CA), 2022
2025 Spirit Run Elite Mile Champions
Arturs Medveds (LAT), 4:08 (4:07.2)
Hanna Hermansson (SWE / CA), 4:39 (4:38.1)
► 2025 RACE RESULTS HERE!
2023 Spirit Run recap, including Mile legend Steve Scott
Top fields expected for Elite Mile including 2017 race champion Tori Tsolis and Therese Haiss
From Stu News Newport
Generations of Newport Beach residents have grown up with Spirit Run, most remembering it as a school fundraiser. But for many, from near and far, it’s much more.
Spirit Run...
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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...
Read More commentsReturn the Mile to prominence on the American & worldwide sports and cultural landscape by elevating and celebrating the Mile to create a movement.
ELEVATE
Bring Back the Mile as the premier event in the sport, and increase interest in and media coverage of the Mile for both those who love the distance as well as the general public.
CELEBRATE
Bring Back the Mile to celebrate the storied distance and to recognize the people who made and make the Mile great and to promote Mile events and the next generation of U.S. Milers.
NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Bring Back the Mile to create a national movement for the Mile as America’s Distance, to inspire Americans to run the Mile as part of their fitness program and to replace the 1600 meters at High School State Track & Field Meets across the country.
Become a Mile Maniac member or a BBTM sponsor today! Join us, and go Mile!