Runners show their spirit for Newport-Mesa schools

The roads around Fashion Island in Newport Beach were filled with the feet of about 1,800 runners Sunday for the 33rd annual Newport-Mesa Spirit Run.

More than 10 races were offered for toddlers, youths, adults, senior citizens and families.

Net proceeds from the event go toward education and athletics programs in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

The amount raised this year has not been determined since several teams and clubs from Newport-Mesa schools are still fundraising for the run through online campaigns, said Diane Daruty, a member of the Spirit Run’s board of directors.

“To me, this was the best year ever,” Daruty said. “There was a lot of excitement from the adult runners, but also a lot of kids. Not just kids in the school district, but from all over the area.”

This year’s event debuted a race called the Elite Mile, in which runners had to finish in less than seven minutes to make the results list.

“We had 44 people for the inaugural race, which is pretty darn good,” Daruty said.