Newport-Mesa Spirit Run ‘like a carnival’
There will be more than just races to run at the 29th annual Newport-Mesa Spirit Run on Sunday.
There is indeed something for everyone: cheerleaders from four schools, a high school jazz band, a deejay, breakfast by Plum’s Cafe and a Camp Newport Expo with BMX biking, skateboarding, rock climbing and bungee jumping.
“I go to a lot of races,” said Spirit Run President and Race Director Diane Daruty. “This is like a carnival compared to what I see.”
Olympian runner Steve Scott is expected to run all the youth races and give a speech before each one that reminds the children about things like pacing and breathing, Daruty said.
“He’s a hero to me,” Daruty said. “He’s not only an incredible runner ... he’s also very dedicated to running and coaching.”
The annual Newport-Mesa Spirit Run is a community event featuring races for adults, youths and families that gives its proceeds back to local schools. The race features an adult 5K, 10K and 15K; youth 5K; 1-mile races for ages 7 to 12; half-mile race for ages 5 to 6; a quarter-mile race for 4-year-olds; and a new Toddler Trot for children 2 to 3 years old.
More than 1,100 participants have already registered and about 100 scholarships are expected to be given out to underprivileged students, Daruty said.
“This is much more than a fundraiser,” she said. “It’s a community event. It’s a fitness event — it’s a community and family event.”
The Daily Pilot is a sponsor.
Nearly $45,000 went back to nine Newport-Mesa Unified schools whose students participated.
Last year was the first time all Newport-Mesa schools were eligible to benefit. The run has traditionally been organized by the five elementary schools that feed into Corona del Mar High School — Harbor View, Andersen, Eastbluff, Newport Coast and Lincoln — but last year a group of parents created a nonprofit and board of directors to run the event and expand its reach.
Eastbluff earned $7,925, followed by Harbor View with $7,125. College Park, Killybrooke, Newport Coast and Whittier elementary schools each received $7,000.
CdM Middle School earned $1,250; CdM High, $275; and Lincoln , $125.
This year, 17 schools are involved — 15 as promotional partners — and eight sports teams across the four high schools are participating.
“We’re really excited that we have all the high schools involved,” Daruty said. “This used to be just an elementary school event.”
Twitter: @britneyjbarnes
If You Go
What: 29th annual Newport-Mesa Spirit Run
When: Race day registration begins at 6 a.m. Sunday, with the first race at 7 a.m.
Where: Adjacent to Edwards Big Newport 6 in Newport Center at Fashion Island
Information: Pre-race day registration is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Athleta at Fashion Island. For more information visit https://www.nmspiritrun.org.