Make Newport Spirit Run Your Next “Runcation”
Run the NEW Upper Newport Bay Half Marathon, stay by the coast and make a weekend of it in Newport Beach.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Enhance Your Weekend Vacation Experience With a Run to Remember
The NEW Upper Newport Bay Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile destination race in Newport Beach.
Make your trip to Newport Beach count with the NEW Upper Newport Bay Half Marathon. The 2026 Newport Spirit Run brings runners through one of Southern California’s most distinctive coastal environments — scenic Back Bay roads and paths, wetlands and nature reserve areas — before returning to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
NEW in 2026
Upper Newport Bay Half Marathon
- 13.1-mile destination race for runners and walkers
- Start and finish at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
- Scenic course traversing Upper Newport Bay
- Celebrating Upper Newport Bay and benefiting the Newport Bay Conservancy that protects it
- Open coastal scenery and nature reserve setting throughout the course
- A safe, traffic-free race environment
- Part of the 42nd Newport Spirit Run
- Race. Explore. Stay Awhile.
Race. Explore. Stay Awhile.
Four reasons a Newport Beach race weekend is worth more than race morning.
Run by the Bay
Upper Newport Bay gives the race a genuinely distinctive setting — open water, wetlands and coastal views instead of city streets.
Explore the Coast
Beaches on Newport Beach’s Peninsula, on Balboa Island, in Corona del Mar and in Crystal Cove; waterfront activities on Balboa Island, the Newport Harbor and the Bay; and coastal walks and more are all a short drive from the start line.
Shop & Dine
Shop and/or dine at Fashion Island, Newport Center, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove, Lido Marina Village and a long list of Newport Beach stores and restaurants.
Experience Weekend Events
StyleWeekOC, the 27th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival and more are all taking place in Newport Beach during race week.
Stay Close to the Start Line
Room blocks and nearby accommodations for Spirit Run race weekend.
We’re working with hotels close to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort to make your race weekend easier and provide discounted rates. Stay near the start line, settle in for race morning and make the most of your time in Newport Beach.
Official Spirit Run room block
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is adjacent to the start and finish area and across from Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and the expo. It is the shortest walk to the start line of any Newport Spirit Run hotel.
Limited rooms are available for this block on October 16, 17, and 18. This block is available until September 16, 2026. Click on “Details on Rates” below for information on available rooms, rates, and more. For other questions, contact Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.
Official Spirit Run room block
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
An all-suite hotel located at 500 Bayview Circle, Marriott Bayview is across the street from Mile Markers 4 and 8 on the Half Marathon Course. The drive from Marriott Bayview to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is less than 4 miles. Limited suites are available for this block on October 17 and 18 for a rate of $199. This block is available until September 19th.
Room block coming soon
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
Located at 900 Newport Center Drive, VEA is beside Fashion Island and set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. It is roughly one mile from Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and the start line.
Limited rooms will be available for this block. Check back for details on available rooms, rates and more.
Make the Most of Newport Beach
Beaches, the bay, the harbor, the islands and a coastline built for an active weekend.
Beach & coast
Sand, Piers & Island Walks
- Newport Beach Peninsula’s beaches and boardwalks
- Newport Pier and Balboa Pier
- Balboa Island — waterfront walks, shops and food
- Big and Little Corona beaches in Corona del Mar
- Crystal Cove State Park
Water & outdoor activities
Get Out on the Water
- Whale watching — May through November is a strong season for blue whale sightings
- Harbor cruises and Duffy boat cruises
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
- Jet skiing
- Surfing
- Bike rentals along the coast
Shop, Eat & Unwind
Fashion Island, Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove, Lido Marina Village and more in Newport Beach’s dining scene.
Fashion Island sits within a mile of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in the heart of Newport Beach and brings shopping, dining, beauty, wellness and entertainment together in one open-air destination — an easy afternoon before race day or a well-earned reward after it.
Adventure further away to shop and dine in Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove, Newport Center, Lido Marina Village and the harborfront. There are plenty more restaurants and places to choose from.
Official Race Weekend Partners
Newport Spirit Run is proud to have support from its long-time sponsor, Fashion Island.
Style, Film & Race Weekend
Race weekend lands in the middle of one of Newport Beach’s biggest cultural weeks.
StyleWeekOC returns to Fashion Island from October 14–18, 2026 with fashion shows, brand activations, industry panels and special events. The 27th Newport Beach Film Festival runs October 15–22, 2026 with more than 300 films from around 50 countries, premieres, red carpets, filmmaker conversations and nightly events across the city. If you’re travelling for the Half Marathon, you’re arriving at an especially good time.
October 14–18, 2026
StyleWeekOC at Fashion Island
A multi-day programme of film premieres, brand activations, industry panels, fashion shows and an opening night at Fashion Island — ending on race day.
Check the official schedule for current events and times.
October 15–22, 2026
Newport Beach Film Festival
The 27th Newport Beach Film Festival: 300+ films, around 50 countries, red carpets, premieres, filmmaker conversations, live events and nightly parties.
Check the official schedule for current events and times.
Travelling With a Club or Group?
Race with your running club, your friends or your family.
Destination race, easy logistics, group discounts
Bring the Whole Group
Newport Spirit Run is a straightforward destination race for clubs and groups: one weekend, four distances, a finish line minutes from the beach and a city built for a long weekend.
If you’re travelling in from out of town with a club, a team or a group of friends, get in touch and we’ll help you with group discounts on event entry fees and help you plan your race weekend.
Challenges, camaraderie and race-day meet-ups
50 States Half Marathon Club
Newport Spirit Run is proud to partner with our exceptional running club 50 States Half Marathon Club. 50 States Half Marathon Club is a recreational Half Marathon Club with multiple challenges, a big "member party & awards night" held in a new state every year, tons of discounts, and the opportunity to meet members at half marathon events all across the USA and internationally. 50 States provides a great way to meet friends with similar interests, share hotel expenses, dine with friends while you work toward your journey, and more. Runners, Walkers, Slow, Fast, Young, Old, 50 States is for all ages and all abilities.
Make a Weekend of It
Run the Bay. Explore Newport Beach. Stay for the weekend.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Newport Beach, California