Newport Spirit Run
42nd Edition
Newport Beach’s scenic community running event featuring the NEW Upper Newport Bay Half Marathon plus 5K and 1 Mile races for adult, youth, families, runners and walkers, uniting local schools, running clubs, families and athletes for a memorable day of fitness and fun.
Newport Beach 2026
A coastal running event in Newport Beach, California for every type of runner and walkers, featuring the NEW Upper Newport Bay Half Marathon plus 5K and 1 Mile races.
The Newport Spirit Run brings together running, walking and family-friendly racing through one of Orange County’s most scenic coastal environments, Upper Newport Bay.
Now in its 42nd year, this iconic Newport Beach event continues to evolve as a community race celebrating health, movement, connection and coastal culture.
Experience the first Half Marathon course through Upper Newport Bay in more than 20 years, alongside the traditional 5K and 1 Mile races for adults, kids and families.
The Youth & Fitness Expo will take place at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, located beside the beach at the bay.
As a race set within a protected coastal environment, the Newport Spirit Run is committed to sustainability through greener race practices designed to help reduce waste and protect the natural beauty of Upper Newport Bay.
Choose Your Challenge in Newport Beach | OC
Across one race event, multiple distances create something for everyone, from first-time runners and walkers and family fun runs to the NEW Half Marathon through Upper Newport Bay.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and choose your challenge in one of Southern California’s most scenic running locations.
Half Marathon
Newport Beach Half Marathon | Upper Newport Bay Course
The newest headline distance for the Newport Spirit Run. A flat and scenic Half Marathon through Upper Newport Bay, designed for runners chasing a memorable coastal race experience in Newport Beach | OC.
5K RACE
Newport Beach 5K Race | Upper Newport Bay Course
A fast and accessible 5K race for runners of all ages and levels. Perfect for first-time participants, local runners and anyone looking to enjoy a scenic course with a welcoming community atmosphere in Newport Beach | OC.
5K WALK
5K Walk in Newport Beach| Upper Newport Bay Course
Take in the scenery at your own pace with a relaxed, family-friendly 5K walk through Upper Newport Bay, ideal for participants wanting to enjoy the Orange County coastal race atmosphere without the pressure of competition.
1 MILE RACE
Newport Beach 1 Mile Race | Upper Newport Bay Course
Short, fast and fun. Adults and kids may test their fitness or set a personal record for the mile. For participants looking for a high-energy race experience.
1 MILE JOG/WALK
Newport Beach 1 Mile Jog/Walk | Upper Newport Bay Course
Shorter distance to jog and/or walk. Perfect for families, younger runners and participants looking for exercise without competition.
COMBO (5K + 1 MILE)
Double Race Entry | Newport Beach Combo Challenge
Adults and kids -Take on both events. Perfect for competitive runners, active families and participants wanting to maximize their Newport Spirit Run experience.
KIDS BEACH DASH
Fun Run | Beach Adjacent To the Bay In The Dunes
TODDLER TROT
Kids Trot | In the Expo
A Race Event Built Around Upper Newport Bay
Run through the protected beauty of Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach, California, with flat coastal routes, open waterfront views and one of Southern California’s most unique race settings.
More than just a race, the Newport Spirit Run is a community-driven coastal running experience built around connection, movement and the natural beauty of Newport Beach.
The Newport Spirit Run supports local schools, youth sports programs and the Newport Bay Conservancy, helping fund community initiatives, environmental education and conservation efforts throughout Newport Mesa and Upper Newport Bay.
Every registration helps strengthen the local community while protecting one of Southern California’s most unique coastal environments.
Supporting Local Youth & Environmental Conservation
The Newport Spirit Run supports local schools, youth sports programs and the Newport Bay Conservancy, helping fund youth fitness, youth education, including environmental education, throughout Newport Mesa and beyond .
Every registration benefits youth causes while promoting efforts to protect one of Southern California’s most unique coastal environments.
Race Expo & Finish Line Festival
The experience at Newport Spirit Run goes beyond the finish line.
Enjoy family entertainment, live music, food trucks, recovery zones, fitness vendors, interactive activities for kids and a vibrant race day atmosphere throughout the expo at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
Whether you’re racing, spectating or supporting family and friends, the expo creates a fun and welcoming experience for the whole community.
Protecting Upper Newport Bay Together
The Newport Spirit Run is proud to race through the protected landscapes of Upper Newport Bay, one of Southern California’s most unique coastal environments.
The Half Marathon, 5K and mile routes travel through scenic Back Bay Road and paths, wetlands and nature reserve areas before returning to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
Newport Spirit Run appreciates the trust placed in the event by California Fish and Wildlife, Orange County Parks and the City of Newport Beach in allowing participants to race within this environmentally sensitive area.
NEW in 2026:
Newport Bay Conservancy joins Newport Spirit Run as a beneficiary, helping support conservation, restoration and environmental education efforts throughout the Bay.
To help protect the environment, Newport Spirit Run will introduce sustainability initiatives including reusable hydration containers, cupless water stations and environmentally responsible race operations.
Meet America’s Premier Miler
A legendary runner with deep roots in Newport Beach and Irvine and the Newport Spirit Run community, Steve Scott’s connection to the Newport Spirit Run is truly special.
A world-record-holding runner, Olympian, former UC Irvine track star, respected college coach and long-time supporter of the event, Steve continues to attend each year and his legacy is closely tied to the local running community.
With UCI hosting the annual Steve Scott Invitational and the new Half Marathon
route passing near the outskirts of the campus where he once competed, his connection to Newport Mesa remains deeply rooted.
Watch the video to learn why America’s Premier Miler, Steve Scott, loves Newport Spirit Run and attends every year.