Newport Spirit Run
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Newport Spirit Run
Newport Spirit Run takes place on October 18, 2026 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina in Newport Beach, California. The event includes a half marathon that returns to a course through Upper Newport Bay, plus traditional 5K and mile distances for adults, youth, and families. The Youth and Fitness Expo is located inside the resort near the beach and water.
The event organiser is Newport Mesa Spirit Run, Inc. The 2026 edition names Newport Bay Conservancy as a beneficiary and lists support for local schools, youth sports programs, and youth causes. The organisers are introducing eco-friendly measures on course and in the expo, including no plastic bottles or gel wrappers and cup-less water stations that require participants to carry a container. Special consideration is noted for elite competitors.
Each registrant receives a shirt and a custom medal. 5K and half marathon registrants receive a reusable hydration container for use at water stations.
The course passes wetlands, bluffs, restored habitats and local sites around Upper Newport Bay, including the Back Bay Science Center, Big Canyon Nature Park restoration project, Back Bay Lookout Vista Point, and the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The programme includes race categories for adults, youth, children and toddlers as detailed below. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Half Marathon, age 18 and older
- 5K Race, age 18 and older
- 5K Walk, age 18 and older
- Mile options for adult finishing times and youth
- Combo (5K Race + Mile), adult and youth options
- 5K Race/Walk, age 7 to 17
- Kids Beach Dash, age 4 to 6
- Toddler Trot, age 1 to 3
