Newport Spirit Run

Experience the Newport Spirit Run, featuring the first half marathon traversing Upper Newport Bay (“the Bay”) in more than 20 years. This 42‑year‑old community running festival will also host its traditional 5K and mile distances for adults, kids, and families, all along the beautiful Bay. The Youth & Fitness Expo will take place inside the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort next to the beach and the water.

🌿 Eco‑Friendly Racing
In collaboration with Newport Bay Conservancy, Newport Spirit Run’s new beneficiary, the event is introducing eco‑friendly measures
• No plastic bottles or gu wrappers on the course or in the expo:
• Cup-less water stations – carry your container to the water stations*
*Special consideration given to elite runners.

⭐ Event Features
• Each registrant receives a shirt and custom medal
• 5k and Half Marathon registrants receive an Eco-friendly reusable hydration container to carry to water stations

🏃 Race Options for Everyone
Race, jog, or walk individually, as a family, or with friends.
Choose your 5k or mile event based on your age and expected finishing time

Adults:
• Half Marathon, 5K Race, 5K Walk, Mile, Combo (5K Race + Mile)
Youth:
• 5K Race, 5K Walk, Mile, Combo (5K Race + Mile), Kids Beach Dash, Toddler Trot

🌊 Run Through Upper Newport Bay
Take in the Bay’s most iconic viewpoints, including:

• Scenic wetlands, bluffs, and restored habitats
• Back Bay Science Center
• Big Canyon Nature Park Restoration Project
• Back Bay Lookout Vista Point
• Juan Ramirez Memorial Drinking Fountain, honoring the local running legend
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve and the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, offering panoramic views and education about the estuary
• Newport Beach’s Trash Receptor capturing debris before it enters the Bay

🎗️ Run With Purpose
• Supports local schools, youth sports programs, and youth causes
• NEW in 2026: Newport Bay Conservancy joins Spirit Run as a beneficiary

⭐ Special Guest
• Olympian and world‑record holder Steve Scott, the athlete with the most sub‑4‑minute miles, attends annually

Join us for a race that blends fitness, nature, community, and conservation — all at the beautiful Upper Newport Bay.

Registration opens at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Entries for each event will close on a rolling basis 15–30 minutes before the start.

Entry Options

HALF MARATHON AGE 18 & Older
5K RACE AGE 18 & OLDER
5K WALK AGE 18 & OLDER
MILE FINISH IN 8 MINUTES OR LESS AGE 18 & OLDER
MILE FINISH OVER 8 MINUTES AGE 18 & OLDER
COMBO (5K RACE + MILE) AGE 18 & OLDER
5K RACE AGE 7-17
5K WALK AGE 7-17
MILE FINISH IN 10 MINUTES OR LESS AGE 7-17
MILE FINISH IN OVER 10 MINUTES AGE 7-17
COMBO (5K RACE + MILE) AGE 7-17
KIDS BEACH DASH AGE 4-6
TODDLER TROT AGE 1-3

Refunds

Refunds

No Refunds



Instalment Plan

  • You may pay in equal instalments up to a either a maximum set by the organizer or monthly up to one month before the event, whichever is less.
  • There is an additional fee of 1% + $0.50 for each instalment.
  • You are responsible for ensuring payments are made, missing payments may mean removal from the event and loss of any monies paid to date.
  • For more information on instalment plans see here.

You can manage your entries from the My Entries page.