about us
America’s premier Miler, Steve Scott, high fives youth runners before their race.
newport mesa spirit run, inc.
mission
NMSRI’s Board of Directors are volunteers dedicated to continuing Spirit Run, promoting youth fitness, providing free event entries to underprivileged youth, and donating event net proceeds to participating schools, youth sports, and other causes.
Spirit Run’s 41 year history
From 1983-2010, PTAs from five Newport Beach elementary schools presented spirit run and shared its net proceeds. In 2010, Newport mesa spirit run, INc. (NMSRI), a California 501(c)(3) non profit, was founded to continue Spirit Run. It invited local public and private schools, youth sports programs, and other select causes to participate in spirit Run and share in its net proceeds.
NMSRI’s financial impact
NMSRI has donated more than $400,000 in cash to participating schools and causes as well as almost 3,000 free event entries. NMSRI has conducted free training at Title I elementary schools to prepare students for Spirit Run and provided them free event entries and bus transportation to and from spirit run.
NMSRI’s fitness impact
NMSRI offers the Broadest range of youth races of any road racing event including the Toddler Trot, multiple age-based 1/4-1- mile races, and the unique Youth 5k.
NMSRI encourages families to exercise together by offering family events and offering families discounted entry fees.
NMSRI supports elite runners with free event entry, vip treatment, and by recruiting a cash prize purse for them from elite sponsors.
why steve scott loves spirit run
watch the video below to Learn why America’s Premier Miler, Steve Scott, loves Spirit Run and attends every year.
Steve Scott is an Olympian with the world record for running the most sub-4 minute miles (137 times). He attends Spirit Run to pump up the kids before their races, elites before the elite mile, and to distribute awards to race winners.
steve scott, america’s premier miler
“I have never been in a race with such great enthusiasm and support from the participants. They cheer for everyone from start to finish.”
jerry palazzo, youth coach
“Spirit Run is the premier youth road event in Southern California, being the only one I know of that treats youth distance runners as competitors in the sport, rather than simply adding ‘kid’ races as a sideshow to an adult event. The energy in the Youth 5K delivers race times not seen in typical ‘all-ages’ events, and the unique Elite 1-Mile is a barnburner that leaves spectators staring at the clock with disbelief.
Ryan Yohn, Coach OC Grit running team
“Our team loves the Spirit Run since the fast race course gives us amazing personal records and awesome swag!”
Catherine Crahan, dEVELOPMENT dIRECTOR wALDORF sCHOOL
“We are beyond thrilled with the incredible success of our fundraising efforts at the Newport Beach Spirit Run! Not only did we raise vital funds to support our 8th grade class trip in 2024, but we also had a blast coming together as a community—running, walking, and cheering each other on. The spirit, energy, and teamwork were truly inspiring, and it was heartwarming to see so many of our students, families, and staff united for such a fun and meaningful cause!
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