Spirit Run revs up

Stefanie Frith

NEWPORT BEACH -- Maybe your children want to toddle along in the

toddler trot. Maybe you want to complete a 10K. Maybe you want to help

donate money toward local schools. Or maybe you just want to win the

Jamba Juice 5K Banana Man Chase.

However you go, race officials for the 18th annual Spirit Run 2001,

set for early Sunday at Fashion Island, say people are going to have a

blast, rain or shine.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Robyn Moss, co-director of the race. “It’s

good exercise and great for even casual runners. It benefits the local

schools, and you can get professional race experience too.”

About 5,000 runners and 2,000 spectators are expected to attend the

race, which is sponsored by sports agent Leigh Steinberg and his wife,

Lucy. Proceeds benefit Andersen, Harbor View, Eastbluff, Newport Coast

and Lincoln elementary schools. Over the last 18 years, the race has

raised more than $800,000 for educational programs in Newport Beach.

One of the highlights of the Spirit Run will be a Kids Expo, featuring

a climbing wall, appearances from the Radio Disney AM 710 Street Team,

the Mighty Ducks mascot and the Discover Orange County exhibit. There

also will be a team competition, a toddler trot and a prize drawing for

ASICS running shoes and Fashion Island gift certificates.

The Banana Man Chase will also take place, and Moss said the costumes

and idea is just hilarious.

“There’s all these people in banana costumes and, actually, one of

them came to a rally we had at one of the schools [to promote the run],

and it was so funny,” she said. A race rally will also take place today

at each of the schools involved.

The top 25 men and women to beat the fastest Banana Man Runner will

win a free year of Jamba Juice and an “I Beat Banana Man” T-shirt.

Lucy Steinberg said the run is a fun event and that she’s glad she and

her family can be a part of it. Leigh Steinberg and two of their three

children will participate in the race Sunday.

“This event really brings out the community, not just the kids and the

parents, but the people who live in the area too,” she said. “We really

like to be able to support these community events, and it’s good to

support public education.”

FYI

WHAT: Spirit Run 2001

WHEN: Sunday

TIME: Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, or from 11 a.m. to

3 p.m. Saturday in the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard at Fashion Island. 10K

Run/Walk will begin at 7:30 a.m.; Banana Man Chase at 8:15 a.m.; 5K

Family Walks from 8:17 to 10:25 a.m. and 25-Yard Toddler Trot at 10:35

a.m.

WHERE: Fashion Island, Newport Beach

Cost: $18-$23

Phone: (949) 451-4568