Schools Bank on Fun Run’s Spirit

Organizers of the annual Golden State Bank Spirit Run, to be held Sunday at Fashion Island Newport Beach, like to point out that the annual event is a much-needed piece of good news for the embattled Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

It’s been a rough few months for Newport-Mesa, what with the discovery that an executive embezzled more than $3.5 million from the district over several years (Stephen A. Wagner pleaded guilty last December to misappropriating public funds).

Last year’s Spirit Run raised $62,000 for programs in science, art, music, computers and physical education at three elementary schools in the district. This year, organizers hope to raise $70,000 and draw more than 6,000 runners to the race, billed as the biggest 5K-10K race in the county.

The all-day event also includes a one-mile run for kids 7 to 12 years old, a half-mile run for kids under 6, a health and fitness fair from 6 to 10:30 a.m. and live entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The courses wind through rolling hills in the Fashion Island area, with split times displayed at every mile. Last year’s winning times in the 10K were 31 minutes and 14 seconds by Danny Reed for the men and 36:43 by Marie Murphy for the women; top finishers in the 5K were Ralph Garibaldi at 15:01 and Anet Cooper at 17:16.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group, plus random drawings for other prizes.

What: Golden State Bank Spirit Run.

When: Sunday, Feb. 28. Registration begins at 6 a.m.; 10K run at 7:30 a.m., 5K run at 8:45 a.m.; kids’ one-mile run at 9:45 a.m.; kids’ half-mile run at 10 a.m.

Where: Fashion Island, Newport Beach.

Whereabouts: From Coast Highway in Newport Beach, turn north on Newport Center Drive and park at Edwards Newport Cinema.

Wherewithal: $16 for adults, $14 for children under 12, including T-shirt.

Where to call: (714) 640-2203.

And now for something completely different. . . .

One of the county’s more unusual annual athletic events is also taking place Sunday morning, as part of Dana Point’s Festival of Whales.

It’s the Uphill Bicycle Time Trial, a grueling little test that will take some top competitors a minute or less.

From a standing sea-level start on Dana Point Harbor Drive, riders will churn up mega-steep Cove Road to the top of the headlands. Riders will race against the clock, leaving at one-minute intervals.

Event organizers say the incline on the quarter-mile course is 60 degrees. A course record was set last year by Steve Remey, who made it to the top in 54 seconds.

Helmets are mandatory for the event, and organizers encourage registration before race day.

What: Uphill Bicycle Time Trial.

When: Sunday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Where: Cove Road, Dana Point Harbor.

Whereabouts: From Interstate 5, take the Beach Cities exit and head west on Coast Highway. Turn left on Del Obispo Street and follow it as it becomes Dana Point Harbor Drive. The road dead-ends at Cove Road.

Wherewithal: $12 (including T-shirt).

Where to call: (714) 496-3163.