Those in the spirit asked to volunteer

June Casagrande

Anyone who shows up at the Edwards Theater Parking lot at 5 a.m.

Sunday morning looking to make a contribution to their community

won’t be disappointed.

“If they show up at 5 a.m. Sunday, we’ll put them to work,” said

Nadine Turner, a longtime volunteer for the annual Spirit Run who

helps coordinate about 300 volunteers each year.

The run, now in its 20th year, has blossomed from a tiny

fund-raiser for three schools into a huge community event that

includes the largest children’s race in Orange County.

It now raises money for five elementary schools: Andersen, Harbor

View, Eastbluff, Newport Coast and Lincoln. In its two decades, the

Spirit Run has raised more than $1 million for education in Newport

Beach.

The run includes 10K and 5K runs for adults and older children,

and shorter courses for children 3 to 12.

The event will begin at 7 a.m. along Newport Center Drive at

Fashion Island, Newport Beach. Race Day Registration begins at 6:30

a.m. in the Edwards Newport Theatre parking lot, 300 Newport Center

Drive.

Next to the race registration booth will be a volunteer station,

likely manned by Turner, where anyone can show up to offer a helping

hand.

Those who want to be even more helpful can call today for

information about volunteering: (949) 640-5350.

Tasks up for grabs include helping to register runners, setting up

the race course and cleaning up the inevitable mess.

To sign up to run or for more information about the race, call

(949) 451-4848. For directions and parking information, visit

www.kinaneevents.com/EVENTS/Spirit/Spirit.htm.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

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

[email protected].