The 34th Newport-Mesa Spirit Run will take on Sunday, March 12 at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California. With 12 road racing events including the Mile plus the Family Walk and a Toddler Trot, Spirit Run has something for every age, from toddlers to grandparents. Mile legend and Olympian Steve Scott will introduce the Elite & Sub-Elite Mile races and warm up & run with the kids in the five separate Youth 1/4 to 1 Mile races.
Elite Mile
The top 3 men and women (20 & older) finishing under 4 minutes, 45 seconds and 5:15, respectively, receive: $200, $100 and $75 plus Certificate for Massage.
Time bonus for Elite Mile
The first man to finish faster than 4:10 and first woman faster than 4:45 also win $100 each.
Sub-Elite Mile*
The top 3 men and women in the following divisions receive: $50, $40 and $30. Divisions are: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50–59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80 & older plus the top 3 men and women overall (20 & older) receive a Certificate for Massage.
* Competitors finishing slower than 7 minutes (under 60) or 8 minutes (over 60) will NOT be eligible for prize money.
The event will also have the Kriser's Dog Mile, Open Mile (age 13 & older) and 11-12, 9-10 and 7-8 year-old Mile races. Other event races include 5K, 10K and 15K (5K + 10K times combined and ranked). Competitors may race multiple races and are eligible to win each one. See Awards page at event website link button below.
Elite, Sub-Elite and Dog Mile races take place on a fast, point-to-point USATF certified course that begins with a subtle incline for a 1/4 mile than it's downhill to the finish line.
The Spirit Run Elite Mile is also a BBTM Featured Event, showcasing America's best Mile races throughout the year. In addition, the Elite Mile and youth Mile races are part of the Southern California USATF Grand Prix Road Running Championship Series, and the event will also host the 2017 SoCal USATF 5K Championships.
In between the walking and racing events, participants and spectators enjoy a Youth & Fitness Expo with a delicious pancake breakfast, other 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!
The net proceeds of this long-standing community event benefit education and athletics in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
2017 Newport-Mesa Spirit Run Elite Mile Champions
Reid Buchanan (USA / CA), 4:06, event record
Tori Tsolis (USA / CA), 4:42, event record
"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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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.
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