The 37th Spirit Run is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2020 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 5K and Youth ¼ to 1 Mile races.
2020 Prizes
The Spirit Run Elite Mile will offer $500 to each of the first five men to break 4 minutes and to each of the first five women to break 4:30.
In the other events, Spirit Run awards medals to age division winners as well as prizes from Blaze Pizza, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Balboa Candy and more, 200-plus in all! Competitors may race multiple races and are eligible to win each one. All competitors - youth, adult and canine - will receive "Spirit" medals when they cross the finish line. 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.
NEW in 2020
Spirit Run will host a "Spirit"-themed costume contest with prizes. Visit nmspiritrun.org/spiritfeatures to learn more.
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
2020 Spirit Run Elite Mile Champions
Bryce Richards (AZ), 4:02
Therese Haiss (CA), 4:46
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.
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
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...
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...
"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...
Return 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.
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