High spirits ready for run

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- Back in 1991, it was just another road race for

world-class runner Ceci St. Geme. But this time it’s personal.

St. Geme, husband Ed and their six children moved from Menlo Park to

Newport Beach last year. So for the one-time Olympic hopeful, the

question of whether to lend her support to the annual Spirit Run was no

question at all.

“I’m a big supporter of public schools,” St. Geme said. “I have two

children in Anderson [Elementary], which benefits from the race, so I

agreed to head up the Spirit Run next year for Anderson.”

The Sunday run, now in its 19th year, is a fund-raiser for five local

elementary schools, including Anderson. Growing from a small, community

event, the Spirit Run is now the third-largest children’s run in

California. Its events include a 10K, a 5K and runs for children in all

age groups.

“I think it’s a great event for the community and to raise money for

the schools,” St. Geme said. “It’s also a great way to get the kids out

there running.”

This year’s Spirit Run, which takes place on Sunday at Fashion Island,

is expected to raise at least $200,000 for programs at the five

elementary schools.

St. Geme won the NCAA title for the 3,000 meters whilea student at

Stanford University. In an international competition, she set the U.S.

junior record of 8:57:27 for the 3,000 meters. In 1991, she ran in Newport Beach’s Spirit Run for athletic apparel-maker Asics. In 1994 she

won a national title for the 5,000 meters and in 1996 was an Olympic

hopeful before injuries put her out of the running.

Now a full-time mom caring for two teenage daughters, two elementary

school-age children and two more kids at home, St. Geme is putting her

best foot forward for the Spirit Run, whichis hosted by Leigh and Lucy

Steinberg.

“I don’t know if I’ll run this year -- I’m recovering from a foot

injury,” St. Geme said. “But either way, it’s great to be a part of. A

lot of people who would never really think to run a road race like this

get involved because it benefits the school and then [they] find out it’s

really fun. So it has that benefit, too.”

FYI

WHAT: Spirit Run 2002, which includes a 5K, 10K, eight youth races and

a Toddler Trot

WHEN: Sunday. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

WHERE: Fashion Island, near Edwards Theatre at San Miguel Drive

INFORMATION: (949) 451-4520