June Casagrande No one thought it would...

June Casagrande

No one thought it would come to this. After all, the Spirit Run

was just a little race to raise money for a single school.

That fledging community event has blossomed into the biggest

children’s race in the county and the third largest in the state

that, as organizers proudly point out, is celebrating its 20th

anniversary this year.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Robyn Moss, co-chair of the annual

fund-raiser that takes place March 9 at Fashion Island. “It started

out so small.”

No doubt sponsors have been a big part of the event’s success. For

the fourth year in a row, the Lucy and Leigh Steinberg Foundation is

title sponsor with a $20,000 backing. Two other high-profile sponsors

have increased their funding in celebration of the event’s 20th

anniversary milestone. Blue Cross of California has upped its

contribution from $10,000 to $15,000. Asics footwear and Dr. Leslie

Aspis have also made notable increases to their yearly support.

Another ingredient to the event’s growing success is that it goes

beyond the typical 5K and 10K race events to include children and

families with a “Stroller 5K” event, a 5K family walk and a 25-yard

Toddler Trot. There’s also a Kids Expos with activities, food and a

Mighty Ducks Goal Patrol Hockey Rink.

“This really is a community event that creates a very positive

family environment,” Moss said.

The Spirit Run draws more than 8,000 participants and attendees

each year and raises more than $100,000 for Andersen, Harbor View,

Eastbluff, Newport Coast and Lincoln elementary schools.

Last year’s run hit a snag when city staff accidentally granted

conflicting permits for the run and the Toshiba Senior Classic golf

tournament on overlapping days in overlapping areas. This year, it’s

clear that the mix-up contained a small blessing in disguise. The

slightly modified course carved out for Spirit Runners is actually

better, so this year they’re sticking with it, Moss said.

Additional good news is that the event doesn’t coincide with the

Toshiba event this year.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

[email protected].